Lichfield Gazette December 2012

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN THE CITY OF LICHFIELD

DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE 45

Page 3

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On 23rd November Michael Fabricant MP met PeterHitchman and Mike Wetson, members of the

Lichfield community group Open Door of Hope. The groupwas established to fill the needs of mental health serviceusers in the Lichfield and surrounding areas.

The group first started on 3rd October 2011 with six membersattending and now has 92. They meet three times a week inLichfield Methodist church to play Bingo or cards and take partin a quiz. They also regularly host guest speakers whosespecial interests range from health to science in addition toorganising many day trips for their members.

Mike Wetson one of the original members commented:“After nearly forty years being treated by the NHS I decided itwas time to give something back. That is why I created thisfacility to provide a meeting place for fellow like sufferers. Thegroup welcomed the opportunity to meet Michael Fabricant tohelp lift its profile and hope this will encourage even moremembers......We would like to thank Michael Fabricant for hisinterest and advice.”

Michael Fabricant said: “It was a real pleasure to meet MikeWetson, the former Chairman and now Secretary of Open Doorof Hope and Peter Hitchman, their new Chairman and discussthe work of Open Doors and talk about my own work as an MP.

“Around one-third of the population will suffer mental healthproblems during the course of a life-time and it is great to seean organisation such as this providing such effective self-help.No-one should be embarrassed by mental illness and bygetting together with fellow sufferers, the solidarity boostsconfidence. The Group also sounds like good fun.”

For more information on Open Door of Hope [email protected] or telephone 07779 980741.

Mike Wetson, Michael Fabricant, and Peter Hitchman.

MP Visits‘Open Door of

Hope’

Page 4 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Lichfield GGazette

ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINELichfield Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more

than 17,500 homes and businesses in and around Lichfield. Distributionarea covers Lichfield City, Alrewas, Fradley, Shenstone, Hammerwich,

Kings Bromley, Longdon, Whittington, Armitage & Handsacre

A limited number of the Lichfield Gazette are available and can bepurchased at 90p from the Heritage Centre at St Mary’s in the

Market Place. All proceeds go to charity.We do not seek to sensationalise but to inform and entertain our readers.The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and

not necessarily those of the publishers. Lichfield Gazette magazine is nota franchise or connected with any other publication.

contributors•• CCaazz JJoonneess •• JJoossss MMuussggrroovvee KKnniibbbb•• LLaauurraa BBoowwccuutttt •• DDaavviidd WWoooodd•• PPGG MMiittcchheell ll •• DDaann MMiittcchheellll•• RRoobbeerrtt YYaarrddlleeyy •• JJoohhnn GGaallllaagghheerr•• JJoohhnn CCrroowwee

contact the Gazette see page 62

December 2012

6 Netherstowe House competition

12 Baby and Toddler competition winners

35 Market Street Feature

42 Win tickets to the UK’s biggest fashion and beauty event – Clothes Show Live!

47 Tudor Row Feature

50 Gazette Woman

55 Dining Out

59 What’s On

contents

EEddiittoorr ’’ ss NNootteessA time of the

signs A Church is a wonderful place at Christmastime. When I was

a lad in the late sixties I remember going to the Christmas EveMidnight Service that was filled with a good sizedcongregation, quite a few of which were full of winter fuel andwho had wandered in for somewhere to go after closing time and to bellow out a fewcarols. Following that irreverent evening a sign appeared in the vestibule proclaiming“Parishioners are reminded that the box marked ‘For The Sick’ is for money contributionsonly.”

However well meaning, I love those notices that have unintentional double meanings.Here are a few examples of what I mean: "For those of you who have children and don'tknow it, we have a nursery downstairs;" "Next Thursday will be tryouts for the choir. Theyneed all the help they can get;" and finally, "Ladies Slimmer's Group will hold futuremeetings in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Please use large double door atthe side entrance."

I have visited nearly all the churches in the area and we are blessed with some lovelyones, but it is the people who make up those churches that really make them special, allunited in one common purpose at this time of year. Don't forget the true meaning ofChristmas and have yourself a very merry one!

Yours trulyPaul OakleyEditor P.S The January/February edition will be out on Jan 21st. See you then.

FRONT COVER BY ROBERT YARDLEY

Win lunch for two at Netherstowe House

page 6

Page 5

Fifth GenerationStarts at Lichfield

Cutlery Firm

World famous cutlery firm Arthur Price isdelighted to announce that the fifth generation

of the family-owned firm has joined the company.Like his father (and current CEO) Simon, James(aged 23) has joined as an apprentice and starts asa Distribution Assistant in the warehouse.

Five consecutive generations of the Price familyhave worked for the Lichfield-based cutlerymanufacturing firm. The list of iconic brands and peoplewho use Arthur Price includes Concorde, QE11, Titanic,the Savoy Hotel, the Royal Family and even theBeckhams plus many more, making the Lichfield basedfirm a byword for the finest cutlery.

The company celebrated its 110th birthday inOctober 2012 but in recent years it has seen manychanges at the dinner table including a changingpalette, a rise in fast food, a drop in ‘family dinner tablemeals’ and a desire for more contemporary and‘affordable’ products. Arthur Price found that it mustcontinue to produce high quality gifts for weddingpresents etc, and also design (with the same qualityvalues) a more current, attractive and affordable rangeof gifts to be used for all occasions.

Simon Price, Arthur Price CEO said: “Many peopleare attracted by our history and it is very humbling tomerely be a custodian of this great company. Indeedour strapline ‘Be Part Of The Family’ is most importantto me and I think it sums everything up. Arthur Price isa family of people and this is the main reason why thebusiness is getting stronger in these difficult times.This, together with a broad and robust range of qualityproducts and excellent customer service, meanseverybody contributes to our success and I knowJames understands and appreciates this and he will beworking hard to learn about this proud company.”

James Price said: “I’m delighted to become the fifthgeneration Price to work for the family business and tostart on the 5th November is fate. Not many companieshave the privilege of such longevity, especially in thesedifficult times, and it is a testament to everybody in thebusiness that we find ourselves in such a uniqueposition. My father has done a fantastic job in changingthe business from being simply known for expensivecutlery to a much bigger brand. I hope that for manyyears to come, the business will allow me to contributeto this amazing British institution.”

James graduated from Sheffield University with aMasters Degree in Marketing and has been honing hisskills working in a direct marketing agency.

Local AuthorLaunches New

Book‘To judge rightly of the present, we must oppose it to

the past; for all judgment is comparative and, of thefuture nothing can be known.’ Dr Johnson

This November local author Annette Rubery (see pic)launched her new book, Lichfield Then & Now. Our city haswitnessed many important events in the history of the BritishIsles and we are quite rightly proud of our architecture thatspans the centuries and our customs and traditions. Lichfieldnevertheless remains a modern city where old and new co-exist.

Lichfield Then & Now pairs 45 carefully chosenphotographs from the city’s archives with 45 contemporarycolour versions of the same views, providing a fascinatingvisual diary of the city’s progress. Compare the old layout ofLichfield’s streets - its shop-fronts, park and pools - with the

Lichfield of todayand see for yourselfthe subtle march oftime, even in thismost historic ofplaces.

Each pair ofphotographs isaccompanied by anexplanatory captiongiving a brief historyof the place and thekey changes thathave taken placeover the years.

Views includethe Cathedral and Close, the Pools, the old coaching innsand pubs, Beacon Place, the Victoria Hospital, the oldracecourse stand on Whittington Heath and the Wyrley andEssington Canal amongst others.

Annette is a writer and editor with ten years’ experiencein print and online media. She has a PhD in Art History andis also a keen photographer.

James & Simon Price


Win a two course lunch for twopeople (Monday to Thursday) atthis prestigious boutique hoteland restaurant.Time has stood still at thisbeautifully restored EdwardianHouse, one time home of twoMembers of Parliament andoriginally partly used as aworking mill. It is full of periodcharm and elegance. EnjoyNetherstowe House for yourselfand see why everyone is ravingabout it! Or why not enter ourcompetition and win a delightfulmeal for yourself and a guest?Minster is a little rascal! True to formhe has got lost again in this issueand we need your help to find him.He might be in an advertisement orin a story, can you find him? Whenyou have found him (he looks likethe image at the top of the page)simply tell us which page he is onfor a chance to win. Write the pagenumber on a card or the back of asealed envelope along with yourname and address and send it to usno later than 21st December 2012to ‘Minster The Cat Competition’ PO

Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. orby email [email protected] "Minster Comp". One entryonly please (or disqualified). TheEditor will draw the winning entryand announce it in the next editionof Lichfield Gazette. Good luck!!Minster was on page 48 in theNovember issue well done to MrSmout, Cranleigh Way, Lichfieldfor spotting him.

LUNCHFOR TWO PEOPLE ATNETHERSTOWE HOUSEFIND MINSTER THE CAT!

GazetteNews

Donate a new toy andsupport victims of domestic

abuse this Christmas

Local creative firmdesigns premium

bangers

Following the overwhelminglygenerous and thoughtful

response from the local area tothe Lichfield Cathedral ToyAppeal over the last two years,the cathedral has announcedthat the initiative will return thisChristmas. This year all toys willbe donated to the PathwayProject that in turn donate themto local families in need whomay be victims of domesticabuse this winter.

The Pathway Project wasfounded by a survivor whose faithled her to want to help otherwomen in a similar situation. Theyhave worked with women andchildren who suffer domesticabuse since 1993 and during thattime have helped thousands ofwomen and children to rebuildtheir lives and achieve things theycould only have dreamed would bepossible, Through a wide range ofservices, including refugeaccommodation, floating support,children’s services, counselling, andgroups and training, they support familiesthrough the trauma and distress of copingwith abuse and leaving their homes andsometimes everything they possess inorder to find safety. The support is on-going and may be short term, but oftencan last for up to two years. Pathway alsorun a drop in and outreach centre inLichfield, the Hope Centre, making helpand support easy to access.

Each year Lichfield Cathedral warmlyinvites worshippers to join the communityas the Christmas tree is lit in front of thebuilding and prayers are said during theSt. Nicholas Service at the West Front. In2012 this service will also include the Toy

Appeal and the cathedral gladly welcomesanyone attending to bring a toy along.

This special St. Nicholas service willtake place on Sunday 9 December at3.30pm and the Dean of Lichfield isasking members of the local community toattend the service and bring a new toyalong to support the Pathway Project.

If you are not able to attend theservice, but would still like to donate a gift,then toys will be gladly received inadvance either to the Vergers’ office withinthe cathedral, or at The Old Stables (nextto Chapters Restaurant) between thehours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).Please note that new toys are preferred(for ages 0 – 16).

For more information on the PathwayProject go to www.pathway-project.co.uk

Some of the toys collected during the 2011 St. Nicholas Service – with children Benand Harry Lamplugh – Photo: © Lichfield Camera Club

Hayley from the Pathway Project and the Deanof Lichfield, the Very Rev’d Adrian Dorber

Lichfield design firm PHd has recently been involved in the launchof a new range of sausage packs designed for Tesco stores.

Chef & Farmer is a sausage ‘brand’ created by PHd for one of the UK'slargest pork product manufacturers. The design team created the packs,point of sale materials and the website. There are 5 different flavourbangers, three of which were launched in October this year.

PHd have commented that it was a great fun project to work on andsales figures for the sausages are reportedly very good.

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Following a successfulfundraising event earlier in

the year, members of LichfieldLadies Circle recently visitedBirmingham Children’sHospital to donate nearly£1,500 to the hospital’sChildren’s Cancer CentreAppeal.

The appeal aims to raise the£4 million which is required toimprove the facilities, for children under 13 suffering from cancer and their families.The current facilities are over 30 years old and are too small to cater for the numberof young cancer patients needing treatment.

Five members of Lichfield Ladies Circle were given a tour of the existing facilitiesto see first-hand just what a difference the improvements will make to patients andtheir families. Sue Jay, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Trustee and honorarymember of Lichfield Ladies Circle said: “I just want to say a huge thank you to themembers of Lichfield Ladies Circle who raised such a fabulous amount of money forBirmingham Children’s Hospital. As Chairman of the Charity, I know how much

difference that money canmake to so many. It will beadded to the Cancer UnitAppeal, taking us nearer to the£4 million target – thanks againgirls.”

The money was raisedthrough a Charity ChallengeDay, held in September atWhitemoor Lakes near Alrewas.The event saw 18 teams fromlocal firms and organisationscompete in a number ofphysical challenges such as

archery, zip wire, abseiling, rock climbing and a grand raft race finale.To find out more about Lichfield Ladies Circle visit www.lichfieldladiescircle.co.uk.

Lichfield Ladies Donateto Children’s Hospital

Cancer Appeal

Recognising Staffordshire’scultural volunteers

Local residents turnout to support

Lichfield funeraldirectors

GazetteNews

Staffordshire County Council and theVolunteer Centres Staffordshire are

urging people to nominate their favouritecultural volunteers for a 2013 VolunteerStaffordshire Award.

The countywide awards will celebrate theinvaluable contribution that volunteers maketo helping improve life for many people fromacross Staffordshire and recognise thoseindividuals that give up their time and skills fora good cause.

This year the nominations include aspecific award for ‘Cultural Volunteer of theYear’ to celebrate the contributions ofindividuals who make a difference in thecounty’s cultural activities.

Staffordshire County Councillor, PatCorfield, Cabinet Member for Culture andCommunities, said:

“Staffordshire is a creative county withmany cultural activities, but if it wasn’t for thevolunteers who help out at theatres, danceclubs, art societies, and galleries there wouldbe much less to avail of.

“Many organisations, groups and attractionsrely heavily on these volunteers and it isimportant that they are recognised for their hard work. We are now looking for nominationsfrom people who help out in libraries or museums, amateur dramatics, tour guides, artists whovisit schools, musicians who coach bands, or parents who help out at after school singingclasses.

“If you know someone who is a great volunteer and is always giving up their time to benefitothers, then please nominate them for an award.”

There are a total of ten award categories this year, so there is something for everyone,including environmental volunteer, young volunteer, unsung hero and outstanding leadership toname but a few.

Nominating is easy and only takes a few minutes and you can nominate teams ofvolunteers as well as individuals. You can nominate your volunteering star atwww.volunteerstaffordshire.org.uk/awards, or at your local library. The deadline for nominationsis 4th January 2013.

The team at F.M. & J. Wait, the Lichfield-basedfuneral directors, have hailed the support of local

residents following the success of an open day heldto mark the re-launch of their refurbished branch.

On Saturday 3rd November the F.M. & J. Wait teamwere joined by over 100 guests, including ministers,florists and registrars, as well as members of thegeneral public.

Based on Bird Street, the new-look premises wereofficially reopened by the Mayor of Lichfield, CouncillorJanet Eagland. Steve Pearce, president of the NationalAssociation of Funeral Directors, also unveiled a plaqueto commemorate the rededication of the Chapel of Rest.

“We were overwhelmed by the success of the openday and would like to thank everyone who attended;”said Mark Stevens, senior funeral director.

“We are proud to have been a key part of theLichfield community for over 200 years, not only helpingpeople at times of sorrow but also supporting local

charities andother worthyorganisations inthe region. Byinvesting in ourbranch, we have signalled our commitment to the town,and we look forward to continuing our unique role inLichfield and the surrounding area;” said Mark.

As well as a balloon release in memory of friendsand family who have died, residents were given ridesaround the town in a traditional horse-drawn carriageand introduced to Betty the dog from Pets As Therapy,a nationwide charity that visits hospitals with speciallytrained cats and dogs to provide comfort to patients.Hannah Wooley, manager at Ivison florist, entertainedguests with a flower arranging demonstration, anddoves were released to mark the occasion. A raffle wasalso held in aid of St Giles Hospice, before guests weretreated to a buffet lunch.

Without the help come rain or shine ofvolunteers, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, The

Olympic Torch Celebrations and so much ofLichfield's cultural life would be the poorer.

Picture shows Venetia Astrop

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GazetteNews

Ahappy coincidencereunited a Lichfield bride

with her weddingphotographs 52 years afterher wedding.

When Sylvia Willetts andMichael Allport got married atSt Chads on 14 May 1960, thehappy occasion was recordedby a local photographer.

However, it was not untilSylvia met up with thephotographer and his wife atSamuel Johnson's out-patientsdepartment recently that shewas recognised and asked ifshe would like herphotographs, over 50 yearslater.

Sylvia told the Gazette:"Following the wedding wehad the proofs and Mick and Ichose ones of the day. We toldthe photographer which we wanted and we started saving hard to buy them.For one reason or another we lost track of the photographer and as time wentby and after starting a family and Mick being in the Stafford's for three years,we just forgot about them. It was quite a coincidence that we met again as Ionly work at Samuel Johnson Hospital two days a week. It was just bychance I was recognised after more than fifty years. The photographer, whohad been moving house, recovered them from his loft and remembered me. I

can't put into words how Ifelt, but I must admit whenI saw the pictures of thereception at St Michael'sHall I had a weep. I keeplooking at them and Iremember on the daytelling my new husband tokeep his speech short asthe top tier of the weddingcake was slowly sinkinginto the bottom!"

Sylvia who has alsoworked as a volunteer atSt Mary's Centre for tenyears, lost her husbandfive years ago. She saidMichael would have beenas happy as she was tohave seen the set of sepiaphotographs once more.Sylvia intends to put onein a frame on her wall.

Some day myprints will come

My WordCall yourself a logophile?

Test your vocabulary with our new quiz. The prize is an inner glow ofsatisfaction and superiority.

What is globophobia?

A. A fear of butterB. A fear of goblinsC. A fear of balloons.

The answer is C - Globophobia is a fear of balloons.

Erasmus Darwin House is aHive of Activity! By Alison Wallis, Curator

Over the last few months ErasmusDarwin House has been a hive of

activity after winning its second HeritageLottery Fund bid for a project which willimprove the exhibition for its visitors. Thenext three months will be an especiallyexciting time for Erasmus Darwin House asthe project begins to take shape and thenew exhibition is installed ready for itsFebruary launch.

The project focuses on Darwin’s inventionsand will bring to life a number of his ideas inthe form of interactive models, such as thesteering mechanism, artificial bird, verticalwindmill, writing machine, canal barge lift andspeaking machine referenced by Adam Hart-Davis in the museum’s introductory video. Aswell as being an inventor, Darwin was also adoctor, scientist, botanist, poet and foundermember of the Lunar Society. Unfortunately,despite his genius and reputation in the 18thcentury, Erasmus isn’t as well known as hismore famous grandson. Through themuseums upcoming activities The ErasmusDarwin Foundation are aiming to change that.

2012 has been particularly exciting with theinstallation of not one, but two new Darwinstatues in Lichfield. Back in May the DarwinWalk Trust unveiled their beautiful John

Sanders statue in Cathedral Walk and thismonth another statue by local sculptor PeterWalker will be unveiled in Beacon Park.

As part of the creative process, Peter heldworkshops for local people that generatedideas that contributed to the final sculpture - astrong, literal representation of Erasmus. Inone hand he holds a shell and under his armhe carries his ‘commonplace book’ or bignotebook – (on loan from English Heritageand available to view at Darwin House). Theofficial unveiling of this work will take place onDarwin’s 281st birthday – 12/12/12 at 12noon! On Saturday 15th December we willalso celebrate his birthday with an openhouse, free birthday cake and Christmasfestivities (10am - 4pm).

If you would like to come to the statue’sunveiling ceremony, which will be attended bymembers of the Darwin family, the ErasmusDarwin Foundation and the Lichfield DistrictCouncil, please feel free to join us in the parkat midday. If you would like further informationon any of the museum’s events please contactthe House on 01543 306260 [email protected].

Alison WallisManager/Curator

Sylvia Allport

Wedding Photo Sylvia & Michael Allport

Darwin Walk Trust statue

Page 11


Sponsored by & Robert Yardley Photography

Lichfield GGazetteBonny Baby & ToddlerCompetition Winners

On Monday 26th November the winners and runners up in bothcategories of the competition gathered at Arthur Price Factory Shopto receive their prizes from Simon Price (CEO) and have theirphotographs taken by Robert Yardley. There was no crying ortantrums and the parents andgrandparents were very wellbehaved too! Robert and hisassistant Jayne managed to coaxsmiles, giggles and winsome faraway looks from all the childrento create a series of adorablephotographs. Harry was veryanimated and struck some perfectposes whilst Eleanor wascompletely unfazed and managedto sleep through most of thesession. That is until the camerawas pointed in her direction whenshe turned on the charm like atrue professional. Daisy and EvieMae were just old enough tounderstand that there was a goodreason why they were dressed intheir best frocks and they

beamed and twirled for the camera on cue. They must all have beenwondering what on earth the fuss was about - this was certainly notpart of their normal Monday morning routine!

Elanor Evie

Daisy

Harry

Hill's News - A new local family business

DAILY NEWSPAPERSDELIVERED

TO YOUR DOORAfter nearly a decade of running a newsagent in Lichfield, we have decidedto 'go solo'. As of Sunday 2nd December 2012 we will be offering a newsdelivery service in your area. Seven mornings a week delivery ofnewspapers and magazines to yourdoor, rain or shine !! Competitive delivery charges - includ-ing FREE delivery to residential andcare homes and SPECIAL £1 per weekfor the over 70's' Whether you want a paper deliveredEVERY day or just on a Sunday, soyou can have a lie in - we can accom-modate your needs. We offer flexible payment methods -we will even call to collect your pay-ment from your door. Direct Debit,credit cards, cheques or cash areacceptable.

Phone: 01543 251743 Text/phone:07794394778 Email: [email protected]

Competition WinnersDam Street Competition WinnerWell done to Mrs Troman of Milne Avenue, Fradley who answered all questionscorrectly and wins £50 to spend at any of the featured advertisers on Dam Steet inthe November issue of the magazine. And just in time for Christmas too!

Tamworth Street Competition WinnerCongratulations to Ms George of Bains Drive, Lichfield whose correct entry wasthe first to be drawn and wins a £50 spending spree at any of the featuredadvertisers on Tamworth Street in the November issue. Enjoy!

Arthur Price Cutlery CompetitionThree lucky local families will be setting their table on Christmas day with an extradash of class this year after winning top of the range cutlery sets, courtesy ofSimon Price, CEO, Arthur Price of England. We asked ‘What traditional gift do yougive someone to celebrate 30 years of marriage?’ The correct answer is Pearl andthe first three correct entries drawn are as follows:First Prize goes to Mrs Love, The Grange, Bromley who wins a 76 piece Visioncutlery set. Ms L Connor of York Close, Lichfield wins the second prize of a 60piece Sapphire cutlery set and the third prize of a 44 piece Shimmer cutlery setgoes to Mrs Banks of Noddington Avene, Whittington.Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to Simon Price for sponsoring thecompetition.

Paul & Leona Hill (and daughtersAnna and Elena)

Page 13

Hearing HealthSpecialist

Hearing Health Care Specialist Mr.Anthony Vaughan HAD FSHAA hasworked within the hearing industry forover 23 years; he is continuouslyinvolved in projects to find newinnovative ways to help people hearmore. He was awarded a fellowshipfrom BSHAA in 2006 – (a professionalbody for Hearing Aid Audiologistsproviding quality care to customers). Tony Vaughan’s fellowship statusdemonstrates his knowledge of therapidly expanding field of hearing aidtechnology. In 2010 Tony was awardedcommendation in the ‘Audiologist of theYear’ event. This was voted by the publicand independently judged by industryexperts and representatives fromhearing charities. Additionally, we aredelighted to announce that most recentlyhe was awarded a Foundation Degree inHearing Aid Audiology. The continuous awards andachievements express his passion tohelp shape the way hearing care isprovided for the public, now and in thefuture. He has helped hundreds ofhearing aid users come closer to the realworld of sound again; he will provide thebest-tailored solution for your hearingloss!

See the Family overChristmas and hear them

better too!Christmas and New Year can be a wonderfultime of the year with family and friends aroundyou. But it can be a difficult time too if yourhearing is not all that it should be. Children areexcitable and noisy, the TV is set too low or youare missing vital parts of the conversation asyou are constantly asking people to repeat whatthey say. If you suspect that you (or a loved one) have ahearing problem, it can often be a difficult time

trying to decide what to do next. HiddenHearing are here to help, they will diagnose thehearing loss problem and after completion ofthe hearing tests they can then advise as toyour next course of action. Hidden Hearing offer: FREE hearing appraisal;expert impartial advice; state-of-the art hearingaids; accessories and batteries as well asaftercare service for life.Why not call at Lichfield's Hidden Hearing

Centre for yourself and discover their range ofdigital devices. Take along a friend or familymember and you can both appreciate thedifference a digital hearing system can make. Hidden Hearing will often see you without anappointment and hearing tests are done FREEOF CHARGE! There is a wide range of products available andeasy payment plans to suit all budgets.


Southwell Mott offer a full range of legalservices which include:-

• Conveyancing • Matrimonial• Wills • Cohabitee• Probate • Divorce• Employment • Children disputes• Trusts • Civil

[email protected]: [email protected]

Southwell Mott 25 LombardStreet, Lichfield, Staffs WS13 6DP. Tel: 01543 256098

Southwell MottFamily Solicitors

On Sunday 18th November, two nine-year oldmusicians, Molly Smith (harp) and Laura Jenkins

(violin and viola) were among players and singersinvited to take part in a concert that marked the end ofthe 2012 Lichfield Competitive Music Festival. Thefestival, now in its 35th year, was held in local schools inNovember. Performers in the concert, which took placein Nether Stowe High School, were chosen to reflect thebroad range of music heard during the two-day festival.

As part of the festival amateurs of all ages, from the Westand East Midlands and as far as Oxfordshire and northWales, attended nearly sixty different classes to receiveconstructive advice on musical technique from professionalmusicians experienced in adjudication. While no minimumgrade is required for entry, the five adjudicatorsindependently praised the high standard of music offered inthe classes.

Among those present at the concert were the Vice-Chairman of Lichfield District Council Cllr David Laytham andMrs Jan Laytham-Gain, the Mayor of Lichfield Cllr Mrs JanetEagland and the Sheriff of Lichfield Cllr Brian Bacon and CllrMrs Norma Bacon, all of whom commented on the quality ofthe performances.

An appeal wasmade at the concert forhelp in preparing nextyear’s festival andinterested volunteersare asked to contactRoger Cresswell - on01543 473433.

Lichfield Competitive MusicFestival Great Success

Laura Jenkins pictured after performances on her violin and viola for

which she was awarded two ‘Distinctions’.

Faroe Bornmake a

‘Killing’ withunique knitwear

Sarah Lund’s Faroesejumper is the surprise star ofBBC4’s The Killing (now in itsthird series). The cream andnavy chunky-knit is rarely offscreen. The new series starsa black and blue version andthey are both exclusivelyavailable from Faroe Born,the new outlet shop for allthings good from the tinyFaroe isles off the coast ofNorway.Faroe Born – based at Heart of the Country at Swinfen –is the first outlet in the UK to sell Sirri Wool products. Theall hand-made knitwear is practically unique. The family-owned business imports garments such as jumpers andcoats using traditional Faroese techniques using organic,dye-free wool, which is naturally water resistant and windproof while remaining soft, warm and dry. Since opening Faroe Born recently, the shop has hadenquiries from all over the world after hearing that itstocked jumpers that use the same yarns made famousby the cult BBC drama The Killing. Even Camilla,Duchess of Cornwall is a fan! In addition to their range of clothing, Faroe Born alsostock a range of hand-made jewellery and gifts also madein time-honoured fashion by the Faroese folk.Why not call in and see for yourself? The most inspiredpurchase you’ll make this Christmas will be at FaroeBorn.

Unit 3 Heart of the Country Shopping Village,Swinfen, Lichfield, Staffs WS14 9QR

www.faroeborn.com0044 (0)1543 480055 / 0044 (0)7920 015033

Page 15

NEW YEAR...NEW YOU atAnthony John Salons.

Have you thought of your new yearresolutions yet?

Most of us find ourselves making resolutions at the start of every new year,often punishing ourselves for over indulging at Christmas with promises to changeour diet or fitness routine. Well, how about this year you make a change thatdoesn’t involve blood, sweat and tears? Pamper yourself. You deserve it!

At Anthony John Salons we promise to offer you the new year change you arelooking for- giving you that perfect pick me up for the New Year blues. Whetheryou want a complete re-style or those locks simply tweaking our stylists are thereto help transform you for the year ahead.

New year, new you!Anthony John Salons are offering all new clients an exclusive

20% discount for a limited time only. Take advantage of this offeruntil February 2013.

Contact our front of house team to make your appointment01543 481900

[email protected]


GazetteCompetition

WINa beautiful Bubble

pendant valued at £595

One of Lichfield ‘s leading jewellers, City Jewellers,has joined forces with London Road Jewellery ina competition to win a multi-gem Bubble pendant

from London Road’s Pimlico collection. The Bubblependant is pure glamour, with colourful cabochon cutgems of – peridot, moonstone, pink tourmaline, bluetopaz and garnet set in bubbles of rose gold.

Facing Lichfield’s Market Square and Dr SamuelJohnson’s birthplace, City Jewellers is a family businessspanning three generations, which prides itself on areputation for integrity and beautiful jewellery. It consistentlyoffers the very best in design and quality, stocking some ofthe most fashionable jewellery and watch brands. LondonRoad’s exciting collection of contemporary fine jewellery isthe perfect fit with this traditional yet on-trend store, where awarm welcome is extended to all customers, making sureeveryone receives individual and unhurried attention.

London Road enjoys a long-standing reputation forcreating fine jewellery made by British craftsmen in the

company’s own London workshops. Bold and eye-catching, elegant and chic, London Road jewellery is acelebration of vibrant, contemporary design, reflectingthe excitement and diversity of London. Collections arenamed after some of the city’s most recognisedneighbourhoods – Bloomsbury, Burlington, Kew,Pimlico, Portobello. The brightest diamonds and a widerange of gemstones with unusual cuts in rose, white oryellow gold embody the London Road hallmarks ofcolour, texture and shape.

City Jewellers of Lichfield, 39 Market Street, Lichfield,WS13 6LA. Tel 01543 416 412.www.cityjewellers.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning this lovelypiece of jewellery please answer the following

question: Name one of the London Road collectionsnamed after a neighbourhood in London. The lucky

winner will be notified by post. Answers on apostcard or a sealed down envelope and sent to:City Jewellers competition Lichfield Gazette, POBox 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. Closing date 15th of

December 2012. Editor's decision is final.

FUN WITH FINE JEWELLERY

In conjunction with

City Jewellers

Sue Freeman was born in Lichfield and livesonly a few miles away in Burntwood,

however, it was photographs of the remnants ofVictorian industry in Hockley, Birmingham thatwon her an Associateship of the RoyalPhotographic Society this October. This allowsSue to put the letters ARPS after her name, andindicates that she has achieved a high level ofskill in photography.

The Royal Photographic Society was founded in1853 ‘to promote the Art and Science ofPhotography’. The Society’s distinctions areinternationally recognised and very sought after. Inorder to become an associate a panel of 15 picturesis submitted and these are assessed by seniormembers of the society.

Sue specialises in creating arresting landscapeswhere the original image is subtly and intricatelymanipulated in Photoshop, giving them a hyper real,almost painterly quality.

The images submitted to the RPS includedseveral of old Victorian factory buildings in Hockleythat are miraculously still in existence and give ussuch a strong feeling of the characters of theseindustrious and resilient people. Indeed, one of theJudges commented that you could ‘actually imagineFagin walking down the stairs’ of the image shownhere to the right of Sue (in the photo to the right). Inaddition Sue submitted portraits (Sue’s pet portraits

are filled with personality) and landscapes.Sue is a semi professional photographer who will

be opening her own photographic businessimminently. She commented that she would not haveapplied for the Associateship if it had not been forthe fantastic help and encouragement she receivesfrom the Lichfield Camera Club.

Sue is taking photographic commissions now, andis also mid application for an Associateship of FIAP(a highly regarded French Photographic Society) toadd to her awards from the Photographic Associationof Great Britain and the Royal Photographic Society.For more information go to www.mono-art.co.uk

Lichfield Photographer Wins Royal PhotographicSociety Associateship

Page 17


GazetteNews

Humpty Dumpty Day Nursery and Pre-Schooljoined forces with Lichfield Cathedral

School as part of their re-cycling project, todesign and construct an impressive igloo fromrecycled 4 pint (or 2.27 litres for those metricminded readers) milk containers. We haveasked for the support of our children andParents to collect empty four pint milk cartons.“The support has been phenomenal;” said LizLock, Business Development Manager of theNursery: “Parents have sourced containers notonly from home but have collected in theworkplace and have even taken it uponthemselves to ask small businesses to donatetheir used milk containers. We would like tooffer a huge thank you to everyone who hassupported and been involved in the project.”

Lichfield Cathedral School’s Art Ambassador,Marcus Lock was responsible for organising theevent in conjunction with the Nursery and foroffering expert engineering advice whilstconstruction was taking place. He led a team ofthree pupils from the Cathedral School alongside

children fromthe Nurseryplus ForestSchoolPractitioners,in acollaborativeproject that the city hasn’t seen before.Construction began at 9am on a windy, coldThursday in November and continued until 4pm.The team worked relentlessly through theuncomfortable conditions to utilise the 535containers in the build; “I am sure you will agree itis an impressive sight, and an enhancement thechildren will enjoy for weeks to come;” continuedLiz.

The Cathedral School are hoping to use theigloo in the near future as part of some fundraisingthey are involved in for a related project in SierraLeone. A group of three pupils including MarcusLock will be helping to build a nursery in anextremely deprived area of the country in February2013.

The following day at nursery the childrencouldn’t wait to use their imaginations and getdressed up in a wintery fashion to use the igloo asa home for a very excitable waddle of Penguins.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...!

photo by Robert Yardley

Page 19


The annual Diamond Gala Dinner was hosted by The Right Worshipful Mayorof Lichfield, Cllr Mrs Janet Eagland at the Guildhall on Friday 16 November

and was a splendid affair. Funds generated by a Tombola and ticket sales willsupport the Mayor and Sheriff's nominated charities - the Alzheimer'sAssociation Singing for the Brain; Lichfield and Burntwood Social Club for theBlind and 9th Lichfield (Saxon Hill) Scouts. The Mayor was accompanied by herhusband Mr Keith Eagland, Sheriff Cllr Brian Bacon and his lady Cllr MrsNorma Bacon. Image Courtesy of Robert Yardley Photography.

Mayor's Gala Dinner

After the success of the Halloween Trail which saw 47 children follow spookyclues around the city park, Lichfield District Council’s parks team is

launching a Christmas Trail. Throughout December, children can come to Beacon Park and follow a trail tohelp Ranger Ted find out what present he will be getting for Christmas.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for LeisureServices, said: “Following a trail is a fun activity that means children enjoy a good walkin the fresh air, while using their powers of deduction to solve the clues.”

The trails will be onsale from the RangerStation, which is next tothe crazy golf course,every day from 10am to3pm, between 1December 2012 and 1January 2013 (exceptChristmas Day).

The trails cost just£1 each and there is asmall prize for everycompleted trail.

Ranger Ted will bemaking a special guestappearance atChandlers LakesideBistro at 12 noon onFriday 21 December.Everyone is welcometo come along andmeet the giant teddyranger who will bedressed in hisChristmas best.

Ranger Ted

Beacon Park Children’sChristmas Trail 2012

Page 21


National Memorial Arboretum welcomesrecord number of visitors

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is on coursefor a record year for visitor numbers. Despite poor weather

this summer, the Arboretum, which is part of The Royal BritishLegion family of charities, has attracted consistently highnumbers of visitors, experiencing a record month in July whenfootfall reached more than 40,000.

Visits by school parties of all ages are also on the rise, with a yearto date figure of over 6,500 students; a 37% increase in the numberof students visiting as part of the Arboretum’s Education Programmesince 2011. This is expected to increase further by the end of theyear, with school groups booked in until the middle of December.

The Arboretum has also shown continual growth in terms of thenumber of memorials on site, which now exceeds 250. Recentadditions have included memorials for the Salvation Army,Cheltenham College and the Parachute Regiment and AirborneForces (PARAs), with many more approved for construction in thecoming months.

This growth comes ahead of the new building work scheduled tobegin at the Arboretum in early 2013. The £12 million developmentproject will include the creation of a Remembrance Learning Centreto explain to visitors the importance and meaning of Remembranceand the significance of the Arboretum; a Pavilion to accommodatemany of the 200+ events and conferences that take place every yearand ‘Heroes’ Square’, a partially covered outdoor area for major setpiece events.

Local Funeral DirectorDiscovers Historic

LedgerIt looks like theresidents of Lichfield

may have to bracethemselves for weeksof disruption assections of the A38 arelikely to remain closeddue to flooding, just asit did seven years ago.

Michael Fabricant MPhas stepped in to thenational spotlight afterurging the PM to considera Conservative merge with UKIP – It seems that all politicalparties are concerned about the damage UKIP could do totraditional core support.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers are due to open their newauction room in Lichfield imminently, so when you’re up in theattic fetching the Christmas decorations remember to have agood look for any lost heirlooms.

Author Annette Rubery launches a new book aboutLichfield past and present this week, just as the TheBystander has learnt of another new book on Lichfield hot onits heels from a separate publisher.

Alrewas based author of BBC3 comedy series ‘White VanMan’ Adrian Poynton is co-writing an American version of thishit show entitled ‘Family Tools’. It starts a ten episode run inJanuary.

Lichfield based funeral directors F M & J Waitunearthed a unique chronicle of local history

during a recent refurbishment when the teamstumbled upon a century old ledger containingdetails of funerals arranged by the branch datingback as early as 1894.

The ledger is one of many books that would havebeen used by the staff to record details of funerals undertaken in the local area. Ledgerswere used daily at the branch up until as recently as the early 1990’s before acomputerised records system was introduced. Following the switch, the ledger wasforgotten about, only to be rediscovered recently when the staff started to clear areas ofthe building ahead of the recent revamp.

On discovering the ledger, staff took the book to the Lichfield Heritage Centre for localhistorian Laura Bowcutt to analyse its historical significance. While looking through itscontents, Laura had a surprise when she found information relating to her own familyhistory.

Laura commented: “As someone who has lived in the area all my life, the book gaveme a real insight into both local history and also my own ancestry. I was delighted todiscover details of my great-grandfathers funeral, as well as the funeral arrangements forhis second wife which were included in the ledger. From both a personal and a historicalpoint of view it is a fascinating find.”

The 100 page ledger contains details of 240 funerals organised by F.M. & J. Wait. Theledger was showcased to local residents at a recent open day. It will now remain in adisplay cabinet at F.M. & J. Wait for visitors to view.

GazetteNews

ITV Studios

Page 23


Page 25

Beth Colley is part of the hard working team that bring us theLichfield Bower every year. Beth’s official title is Beacon

Park Organiser, so she is responsible for much of theentertainment, stall provision, radio coverage and much elsethat goes on within the park on Bower Day. Beth, like the rest ofthe committee is a volunteer and dedicates hundreds of hoursevery year to this wonderful event, completely free and simplyfor the love of it, alongside a full time job as a graphic designer.

Beth was born in Lichfield and lives here still with her family. Shehas been involved in the Lichfield Bower for five years and in thattime has worked with the team to make the Bower the best oftraditional and modern Lichfield. The Bower regularly attractshundreds of visitors into the city and boosts the area’s economysignificantly.

Preparations for the Bower take a full twelve months and 2012has seen The Bower team getting involved in events throughout theyear, including taking a stand at the Lichfield Food Festival.

One of the fascinating new additions to last year’s Bower was infact a reintroduction of an ancient tradition that only disappeared inthe 1970’s – the distribution of Bower Cake.

In 2012 Coco Meli, the artisan local baker, was given secretinstructions on how to bake Bower Cake, a delicacy distributed tochildren on the morning of Bower Day up until forty years ago. Bethherself remembers receiving a slice of this fruity cake and isdelighted that, like generations before, her own children are now partof this great tradition. The recipe for Bower Cake was and is aclosely guarded secret, with only two individuals knowing the preciseingredients. In fact, the recipe arrived anonymously through Beth’sletterbox in an envelope marked ‘Top Secret’!

Putting on the Bower is a momentous job every year and thecommittee are always delighted to hear from people who might beable to help in any capacity, during whatever time they have free.Also, The Bower team are holding monthly quiz nights at the King’sHead and a glamorous Festive Ball at Weston Hall in Stafford onDec 8th (some tickets are still available). For information on theseevents and details on how to volunteer go towww.lichfieldbower.co.uk

City PeopleBeth Colley – Beacon

Park Organiser,Lichfield Bower


Following the service in LichfieldCathedral, the sun shone on the usual

well attended Service of Remembrance inthe Memorial Gardens on Sunday 11November.

The Worshipful Mayor of Lichfield,Councillor Janet Eagland led the ArmisticePrayer.

Scout groups, new army recruits andmembers of the RAF along withcity dignitaries stood in silence inremembrance of the fallen inconflicts around the world, bothlong-past and recent.

Photographs by Robert Yardley

GazetteNews

RemembranceSunday

Page 27

GazetteSchools Feature

Highclare School has enjoyed some excitinglandmarks this Autumn term, in an

academic year which sees the schoolcelebrating its 80th Anniversary.

The fact is that Highclare School has beeneducating young people in Sutton Coldfield andthe surrounding areas since 1932 and although avery different kind of education is offered now,many of the traditions and values that havesustained us through those 80 years are still asrelevant today.

We take pride in our school ethos, to achieveindividual excellence for each pupil and to inspireour pupils to aim for the very best results theycan. The values that have encouraged this in thepast are still employed today, with a strongemphasis on discipline, learning, self respect,delivering motivation and, dare we say it, learninggood manners. This, alongside a strongacademic curriculum and plenty of opportunity toexperience life in the modern world, we thinkgives a balanced and all round education to equipour young people for their modern day lives.

Our recent Speech Night and Prize Giving gaveopportunity to celebrate with pupils, past andpresent, the success they achieved in externalexaminations last summer and the ongoing

successes of allpupils in theSenior School &Sixth form. It ispart of theschool’s ethos tocelebrateeveryone’ssuccess inwhatever area oflife and thisextended fromeffort prizes foracademicachievement tomusicalachievements,success in Speech& Dramaexaminations (LAMDA), Sporting colours andregional and national representation and thegroup successes celebrated by the award ofHouse Trophies in many areas.

The 2012/2013 academic year is a real highpoint in the school’s journey. The change instrategy to take a girls’ only senior school with aco-educational Sixth Form, into a fully co-

educational Senior school has been whollysuccessful with the first 2 cohorts of boys, equal innumber to girls, now settled into the school.Indeed this strategy has earned the school aplace in the final of the prestigious IndependentSchool Awards with only 3 other schools out of200 + competing for outstanding strategic initiativeof the year.

HIGHCLARE SCHOOL

Lynn Edmonds from Sainsburys & Alison Cobbald, Head of Home Economics atHighclare School, with pupils, cutting the ribbon to launch the new facilities for

Home Economics.

By a spokesperson


GazetteNews

Ross Fellows has been the landlord of the George and Dragon pub,Beacon Street, Lichfield since 2009. In November, Ross celebratedhis 30th birthday and as a present to himself decided to fulfil one

of his personal ambitions – to skydive.Hugo Fellows, brother of Ross decided to skydive alongside and a date was

set for November 11th. Hugo is a jockey and has seen how essential fastemergency medical care is when a fall occurs. It was with this in mind that hesuggested to his brother that they ask for sponsorship for their jumps. Just sixweeks later the brothers had collected an astounding £1,230 in aid of MidlandsAir Ambulance.

Ross collected £780 from his generous customers at the George andDragon and Hugo and Ross’ family clubbed together to pay for a photographerto cover the event. The result is an action filled sequence of shots, some ofwhich are included here.

The jump took place at Sibson in Peterborough, where Ross and Hugojumped in tandemwith an instructorwho guided thejump. Accordingto Ross, jumpingfrom 13,000 ft wasa fantasticexperience: “Wehad a brilliant dayand even thoughthe temperaturewas belowfreezing I’d do itagain tomorrow.”

The George andDragon TakesFlight for Charity

Jumping from the Cessna

Ross behind the Bar of the George & Dragon

Half way down Ross and Hugo Fellows

Page 29


£159.00 Palais D’or'Tree of Life' pendant

10A Market Street, Lichfield tel: 01543 410915

La BoutiqueWomens Printed Wellies, Brown Dog

WELLY PRINT£36.95

2 Market Street, Lichfield,WS13 6LH.

Tel: 01543 414149. www.laboutiquelichfield.co.uk

City JewellersSilver dress rings set with Rose orAqua Chalcedony and Amethyst

£179 each39 Market Street, Lichfield WS13 6LA

tel: 01543 416412

Salloways Jewellers Moorcroft ‘Christmas in the Pots’.

£195.00Bore Street, Lichfield , WS13 6NA

01543 262244 www.salloways.co.uk

City JewellersSilver cuff with Blue and White Topaz

by SHO Jewellery£630

39 Market Street, Lichfield WS13 6LAtel: 01543 416412

Faroe Born Jumper £119.99

Unit 3 Heart of the Country ShoppingVillage,Swinfen, Lichfield, Staffs

WS14 9QR www.faroeborn.com

0044 (0)1543 480055 / 0044 (0)7920 015033

Page 31


Kate Williams has made a dreaminto a reality at CurboroughCraft Centre

“I have always been passionateabout art, craft and design andhave been creating and makingsince I can remember. Having myown little shop full of wonderfulhandmade items has always beendream of mine, but I had no ideathat it would actually happen.Flutterby Art Boutique was createdin 2011 from my bed at my parents' house in Telford, whilst Iwas battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, making cards andcrafts from my bed. At first I gave my creations to friends andfamily, but as my health improved I managed to build a stock todo my first craft fair. It was so enjoyable and everyone was sofriendly, that I started doing as many as my health would allow.

I now live in Lichfield with my partner Ben and our twobeautiful kittens, Rocky and Minnie and my health hascontinued to improve.

I am really living my dream; Flutterby Art Boutique iseverything that I could have wished for. We have 30 talentedcrafters and artists who all sell their wonderful work. I teach myclasses downstairs, whilst upstairs is available to use forworkshops and exhibitions. I sell all the craft and art suppliesthat I use myself, stocking unusual, hand selected materials tomake crafter’s projects that little bit special and I just loveseeing what people have created.”

Flutterby Art Boutique BeautifulArtwork & Crafts Classes & SuppliesSelling work by over 30 talented artists and crafters. Classes,workshops & 1:1 tuition for all ages & abilities. Haberdashery,

hand-picked & vintage fabric and craft supplies. Open Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat 10am - 5pm and

Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm. Closed Mon & FriOpent 21st December & 24th December.

Curborough Craft Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield. WS13 8ES

Home is where the art is

Page 33

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee was a truly remarkable event in ournation's history. Not since the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in1897 has a reigning monarch achieved 60 years on the throne.

Such an event was widely felt to merit lasting commemoration. To markthe Jubilee a new landmark with an ancient theme was unveiledalongside Watling Street in Wall Village on 24th November by The LordLieutenant of Staffordshire Mr Ian Dudson CBE.

This feature was the idea of The Milestone Society, a group whose aim is torestore and maintain ancient milestones and finger posts throughout thecountry. The stone will be suitably inscribed in Latin to reflect sixty years of theQueens reign and is the only one of its type to be installed since the Romanperiod.

The Stone has been commissioned by Wall Parish Council in conjunctionwith the Milestone Society and was crafted by a Huddersfield sculptor DaveBradbury and sponsored by The Milestone Society; British Epigraphy Society;Cllr Erica Bayliss, Staffordshire County Council; Simon Nash, Past & PresentDevelopments; Wall Parish Council and The Friends of Letocetum.

The project team consisted of Chair: John Crowe; Project Lead: JeremyMilln; Layout: Richard Grasby; Sculptor: Dave Bradbury; Text: Dr Roger Tomlin

The inscription on the stone may be broadly translated as:Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, by the Grace of God, in the sixtieth year of

her reign.The people of Wall set this up at Letocetum, centre of the Province of

Britain. Distances (given in Roman miles): London 124, Gloucester 66,Chester 68, York 122.

The original location of the junction of Watling Street & Ryknild Street nowlies in the fields approx half a mile to the south east of the village centre. Wenow know these roads as the Modern day Watling Street the A5 and the A38respectively.

Wall MilestoneProject

Ken Humphreys (Chairman of Lichfield District Council), Jeremy Milln (Archeologist and historian), Simon Nash (Benefactor), Ian Dudson (LordLieutenant of Staffordshire), Councillor Erica Bayliss, Mr Ian Lawson (Chairman of Staffordshire County Council), Parish Councillor John Crowe

(project coordinator), Dave Bradbury (Sculptor).

GazetteNews

Cllr. John Crowe

Photographs by Robert Yardley

GazetteHeritage

Lichfield Heritage Collection holds over 10,000 photographs of Lichfield past and present. If you are researching your family tree, one of thesephotographs may relate to you. Copies can be purchased. The collection is free to view and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am

– 12.30pm at The Lichfield Heritage Centre, St Mary's Church, Market Street, Lichfield Tel 01543 256611. If you or your family have old photos of places and events in Lichfield or old artefacts referring to the town, The Heritage Centre would be happy

to receive them to make them available to Lichfeldians for generations to come.

As our advertising feature this month spotlights MarketStreet, we thought we would have a look at the street asit was years ago. These photographs will bring backmemories for our older readers. Enjoy!Old photographs make inspired gifts for Christmas.

Marvel at Market Street

Maypole dairy was situated at 29a in 1911 and is now part of theBrittania Building Society.

Ballards est. 1959 had previously beenJohnson's Confectioners and today isthe British Heart Foundation shop.now

an OXFAM shop.Garratts Bakery was situated in 1908 on the corner of CityArcade which is now Michael's Menswear.

Humphries est. 1902, now a sports shop.

International Stores was at No. 14 MarketStreet, est. 1903, and is now the book

clearance shop

Garretts Bill

Street details by courtesy John Gallagher

Page 35

GazetteMarket Street Feature

IN OUR MARKET STREETCHRISTMAS COMPETITIONWIN £50If only the walls of Market Street could talk, what a tale ofintrigue and wonder they would tell. Market Street saw thebirth of Dr Johnson, the cursing denouncement of Lichfieldby George Fox the then notorious founder of the Quakers,as well as grotesque burnings at the stake that took placein the Marketplace during the reign of Queen Mary andJames I.Today Market Street, once known as both Robe Street andSadler Street holds a number of grade II listed buildingsand this pleasant pedestrian friendly street with its charm-ing half-timbered gables is the home of many independentshops selling a superb variety of merchandise. This is theideal place to start your Christmas shopping.

Answer these questions (the answers to which areall in this feature) to win £50 to spend at any ofthe businesses mentioned.1. Noah pictured this transport?2. Peter from England? where?3. A bookshop and museum?4. Cook up a storm here?5. Jewellery of vintage here?6. Meyers trousers here?

Write all your answers on a postcard or the back of asealed envelope and post it to: The Lichfield GazetteMarket Street Competition PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS144EZ. Don’t forget to include your name and address.Entries must be received by 30th December 2012. Theeditor’s decision is final and the winner will be announcedin our Jan/Feb 2013 edition.

Market Street - Heart of the City

Arc Photographic StudiosArc Studios have gift vouchers

available so why not give them to familyor friends this Christmas so they canbook a family sitting or individualportraits? The proprietor, Vivienne Baileyhas a BA (Hons) degree in photographyand has won several awards including theBank's Midland Press Photographer ofthe Year and the prestigious Bolt Award.Vivian made a name for herself in recentyears through her portrait sittings andreaders may have spotted her work inone of the showcases along Tudor Row.Bookings can be made by ringing either01543 418921 or 07887 433891 or byvisiting the website www.arcstudios.biz.

Michael’s Menswear Michael’s Menswear has a long history

and association with Lichfield beingformerly Taylers of Lichfield. In the heartof Market Street and on the corner ofCity Arcade, Michael’s has a full andextensive range of menswear and stockideal for Christmas presents.

At the moment the ‘special offers’ onPeter England shirts both patterned andplain are superb, (as explained in moredetail in the advertisement). Men’squality knitwear, trousers, suits, formalwear, evening dress wear andaccessories can all be found atMichael’s Menswear, 12 Market Street,Lichfield.

The Kitchen ShopThis Christmas, let The Kitchen Shop

help you cook up a storm! Establishedover 30 years ago, they stock everythingfrom funky gadgets and seasonal gifts toreally serious cookware and tableware.The Kitchen Shop are opening onSunday 16th Dec 10-4pm as part of

Lichfield’s Christmas Festival weekend.So why not come along and treatsomeone to a special gift?

The Kitchen Shop at 5 Market StreetLichfield are retail excellence awardwinners. Pay them a visit this Christmasand find out the reasons why. You’ll bemade very welcome.

Samuel JohnsonThe Samuel Johnson Birthplace

Museum and Bookshop is an oasis ofcalm in the city centre that is open daily(admission is free). Book lovers andChristmas present hunters will enjoy thewell-stocked shop on the ground floor,houses in the same room from whichJohnson's father ran his bookshop 300years ago. Here you will find unique giftsfrom antique prints and book tokens tolocal beers and themed gift packs. TheMuseum is also holding a ChristmasEvening on December 15th, visitwww.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.ukformore information.



Page 37


Palais D’orPalais D’Or has been trading foralmost 25 years in Lichfield as afamily business and is now intheir 2nd generation. Withcombined gemmologist, diamondgrader and jeweller on thepremises, Palais D’Or have astrong and experienced team todeal with a variety of requestsand queries. They stock a variety ofinteresting and exciting items tosuit all tastes and price ranges,from Nomination and renownedjewellery brand Clogau Gold to awide range of previously ownedjewellery and watches. The Palais D’Or team will lookforward to welcoming you duringChristmas or in the near future!

Graeme Hewes Menswear Established in 1992, Graeme

Hewes Menswear staff have apassion for giving the finestcustomer service, and attractingcustomers new and old from awide area of Staffordshire.Concentrating on brand namesfrom Germany, Italy, Spain andeven from Great Britain, labelslike Meyer, Olymp, Gardeur,Magee and shoes and boots byPaco Milan in flat and Cubanheels, ust a few of our temptingnames. We also offer a two piecesuit from £99.

Evening wear plus weddingand evening hire and kilt hire arealso available. All our alterationsare carried out free of charge instore. Call into our shop or ringGraeme, Liz or Sally for anydetails or questions that you mayhave on 01543 418514


Silver dress rings set with Roseor Aqua Chalcedony andAmethyst RRP £179 each

Silver Pendant Set with SmokeyQuartz and Blue and White Topaz

By SHO Jewellery £210

Silver MissomaDrop Earrings

Set withAmethyst. £235

Silver MissomaDress Ring Set

with AquaChalcedony £195

Attractive First Floor Boutique

City Jewellers are delighted toopen there new FIRST FLOORDESIGNER JEWELLERSBOUTIQUE in time forChristmas. Branching awayfrom tradition they have addedsome fantastic award winningDesigners including ShaunLeane, Sho, Missoma, BabetteWasserman, The Real Effect,Seven and London Road. All ofthese brands sit alongside theever popular Trollbeads in thereLuxurious new surrounding ofthis FIRST FLOOR BOUTIQUE.

Silver cuff with Blueand White Topaz bySHO Jewellery £630

First Floor DesignerJewellery Boutique Now Open

Page 39

01543 262244


GazetteNews

Well it’s finally here –Christmas is upon us and

with it, the time to decorate yourhome and garden for the festiveseason. Garden Centres will bynow be taking delivery ofthousands of Real ChristmasTrees for putting into your loungeto give pleasure over the festiveperiod – but how do you look afterthem for the best display?

There are many types of RealChristmas Trees, ranging from thetraditional Norway Spruce through tothe more popular Nordman Fir. TheNordman has become so popularbecause it is one of the best trees forneedle-retention (so that your carpetstays carpet-coloured and notcovered in tree!) It is also soft to thetouch, so ideal if you have smallchildren at home – it is also easy todecorate and generally very bushy,so giving good value for money.

Whatever tree you choose, thereare a few simple rules to follow :

• Keep your tree watered. This isthe most important part of theprocess. Once a tree has been cut, itis no longer able to find water itself –so you will need to water it regularly.

There are numerous designs ofChristmas tree stand whichincorporate a water ‘reservoir’, sokeep this full of water at all times. Amedium tree can drink up to 3 pints ofwater daily!

• Select your tree early inDecember. This should give you thebest selection in terms of choice ofsizes and shapes. But once you’vepurchased it, keep the tree outdoorsuntil you are ready to decorate – thiswill keep it looking better for longer.

• Keep your tree away from heat –if you can, turn off any radiators orfires that are alongside the tree.Again, this prolongs the life of thetree.

Have a great Christmas!

From all at G-Scapes.

The G-Scapes Plant CentreChristmas Shop is now open, witha huge selection of Real ChristmasTrees, as well as home-madewreaths and garlands.

Byron Lewis is Retail Manager atG-Scapes Plant Centre atCurborough Craft Centre, Lichfield.01543 256401. www.g-scapes.co.ukor find us on Facebook & Twitter.

A Georgian FamilyChristmas at the Samuel

Johnson BirthplaceMuseum

Step in from the cold andstep back in time with an

atmospheric Christmas eventfor the whole family at theSamuel Johnson BirthplaceMuseum this December. ‘AGeorgian Family Christmas’takes place on SaturdayDecember 15th at 4pm - 6pm.

Join our Christmas party inthe beautiful historicsurroundings of a Grade I listedbuilding with an afternoon andevening of music, activities andfestive fun. During the eventCarols and favourite Christmastunes will be performed by theLichfield Singers, alongsidestorytelling for the young andthe young-at-heart. In addition

there will be Christmas craftactivities, treasure hunt trailsand a grotto of amazingautomata to explore. Everyonewill find something to delight,from mulled wine and a mincepie to tips from a professionalflower arranger on how to makestunning Christmas decorations.Tickets costs £5 per adult andchildren go free. To book or tofind out more call 01543 264972, [email protected], popinto the Museum on the cornerof the Market Square from 11am– 3.30pm daily, or visit theMuseum‘s website atwww.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk.

Gardening Columnwith Byron Lewis from G Scapes Plant

Centre in Lichfield

Page 41


GazetteNews

Martin Ryan is inthe Doghouse!

By Caz Jones

Ihad the good fortune to meet Martin Ryan today -his grandson, Harry, is the winner of our 2012

Bonny Baby (Category 1) Competition. Martin, hiswife Pam and daughter Sarah (and I hope to beable to tell you more about Sarah in the New Year)accompanied Harry to the Arthur Price FactoryShop on Britannia Way so he could be presentedwith his prize by Simon Price and have hisphotograph taken by Robert Yardley.

But there’s more to Alrewas resident Martin than afamous and successful daughter and a beautifulgrandson. On the first Tuesday of most months you’llfind him and his fellow musician, Stef Dziuba, at theCrown Inn (7 Post Office Rd, Alrewas DE13 7BS)playing the Doghouse Folk Club.

This is truly a community event, there’s no entrancefee but you’ll be ‘invited’ to buy a £1 raffle ticket to helpcover their petrol costs as they also play inNottingham. Martin and Stef don’t get paid for theirperformances, as Martin said: “We don’t want anypayment, we’re past all that and we just love what wedo.”

They have been playing together for many years, ina five piece band called Misty and prior to that as a trio

calledMoonshinerswith BillNaughton,who still joinsthem for afew songsfrom time totime despitethe fact that,as Martin said,their heyday was 50 years ago!

January 2013 is looking to be a very special monthas, by popular demand, Martin and Stef have recordeda new CD, ‘Dublin Town in 1962’, which will belaunched in the New Year. I’ve been lucky enough toget a ‘hot off the press’ copy of the CD. It’s adelightful, gentle album and it makes for lovely, easylistening featuring some great old songs like Rose ofAllendale, Carrickfergus and of course Dublin Town in1962. The CD costs just £5 (money well spent in myopinion) and enquiries should be made [email protected].

The album title is no coincidence as it is dedicatedto Martin and Pam’s Golden wedding anniversary ashort while ago so our congratulations for reachingsuch a milestone!

The next date for the Doghouse Folk Club isTuesday 4 December. Doors open at 7.30pm for an8.00pm start and you can be guaranteed a jollyatmosphere and an audience sing-a-long. It ends at10.30 – that is if the audience can be persuaded to gohome! As the first Tuesday of January is New YearsDay the next performance will be on Tuesday 8January 2013.

Win tickets to the UK’s biggest fashion and beautyevent – Clothes Show Live!

The Lichfield Gazette and Clothes Show Livehave teamed up to give three lucky readers the

chance to win a pair of tickets to the UK’s biggestfashion and beauty event, taking place from 7 – 11December at the NEC Birmingham.

The event features non-stop catwalk shows,hundreds of high-street, vintage and designer brandsto shop from, hair and beauty demonstrations, industrytalks by leading experts and appearances by some ofthe UK’s favourite celebrities – including JLS, Britdesigner Henry Holland, stylist to the stars GraceWoodward, the cast of Britain and Ireland’s Next TopModel including former judge Charlie Speed, modeland presenter Zara Martin, Peter Andre, GemmaCollins, Amy Childs and many more.

Fronted by British model Daisy Lowe, the event isset to be the biggest, most fashionable and interactiveto date.

The prize includes a seat in the spectacular Suzuki

Fashion Theatre featuring over 40 handpicked modelsand dancers and some of the best of British fashion.More information is available atwww.clothesshowlive.com

To be in with a chance to win one of threepairs of tickets, just answer the followingquestion.

Philip Treacy is a British designer of...A. ShoesB. HatsC. JewellerySend you answer in by email only please to

[email protected] by the competitionclose date of 5th December. Please remember toinclude your address and a contact number. Noduplications, one entry per household. Good luck!

(l to r) Martin Ryan and Stef Dziuba

Page 43


GazetteNews

Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attendService at National Memorial Arboretum

On 11th November the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshirehosted a special outdoor Service of Remembrance to mark

Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. The Service was attendedby Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, whorepresented Her Majesty The Queen.

The congregation included senior representatives of the Government andHer Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Around 700 invited guests and ticket holders attended the Service itself,under marquee cover on the Royal Naval Review, while several thousandmore came to the Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legionfamily of charities, to watch proceedings via a large screen and pay theirrespects to the fallen. Key members of the congregation made their way tothe Armed Forces Memorial for the two minute Silence, which is called onthe 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in remembrance of thecessation of First World War hostilities.

Complementing the Cenotaph in London, which commemoratesspecifically the victims of the First and Second World Wars, the ArmedForces Memorial is the nation’s tribute to the 16,000 service men andwomen who have died on duty, or as a result of terrorism, since 1948. It isan icon for contemporary Remembrance and its towering Portland Stonewalls are added to annually. The memorial is designed so that at the precisetime of the Silence a shaft of sunlight dissects its inner and outer walls andhits the central bronze wreath sculpture; an exceptionally moving sight.

Following the service, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester led theformal wreath laying, after which members of the congregation then madetheir own pilgrimage to the Armed Forces Memorial to lay wreaths.Formalities ended with a Parade and March Past, for which HRH The Dukeof Gloucester KG GCVO took the salute.

New MemorialStone for

BurntwoodBurntwood Parish has announced that in

2013 a memorial stone dedicated to thefallen servicemen and women of Burntwoodwill be erected.

At present there is a plaque in the entranceof Burntwood Memorial Community AssociationHall (Burntwood Institute) which only lists thosewho died during WWI

This poses some difficulty on RemembranceSunday as it does not list those who havefallen in the service of their country since 1918.

It is proposed that a stone be erected in thegrounds of the Hall in time for theRemembrance service in 2013 and that thenames of all who have been killed in action beincluded. This will be a special event forBurntwood and it is hoped that it can becelebrated with the relatives of those whosenames will be inscribed on the memorial. Somefunding is in place but donations towards thememorial would be most welcome.

The team behind the memorial are anxious

to trace any living relatives of the fallen ofBurntwood, from both WWI, WW2 andsuccessive conflicts. It is hoped that a tributeand photographs of these service personnelcan be displayed within the Hall.

At present the list of fallen servicemen andwomen of Burntwood holds the followingnames...

WW2: Charles Bailey, Kenneth Dorset, AlanGrimley, Stanley Lee, Donald Lees, RonaldLysons, Clifford Philpott, David Sammons,John Shorthouse, Richard Weston, JohnWorkman, Franciszek Kempa, RonaldFaunch.

Palestine: Billie Mitchel.N. Ireland: John Patterson, David WalkerIraq: Kevin Maine.The team would like anyone who is able to

provide additional names, details, photographsor donations to contact Peter Reynolds at theHall on 01543 672763 or [email protected]

Page 45

Neighbourhoods across the district are being offered the chance to havemore of a say in how their local areas could develop over time.

Communities in Lichfield District are working towards creating ‘neighbourhoodplans’ using new powers given to them by the Localism Act.

Neighbourhood plans can be used to develop a shared vision for aneighbourhood, in choosing where new homes, shops, offices and otherdevelopments should be built locally, in identifying and protecting green spaces, andin influencing what buildings should look like.

To have the power to make neighbourhood plans, parish councils or communitygroups in Lichfield District first need to apply to Lichfield District Council to maketheir area of choice a ‘neighbourhood area’.

Shenstone Parish Council has already applied to the council to designate thewards of Shenstone, Little Aston and Stonnall as separate neighbourhood areas.

Alrewas Parish Council has also applied to make the parish of Alrewas aneighbourhood area.

Councillor Alan White, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member forDevelopment Services, said: “Becoming a neighbourhood area means that localcommunities can create their own neighbourhood plans, based on how they wanttheir areas to develop over time.

“It’s a fantastic way for local people to get actively involved in the planningprocess, and we hope more parishes will consider creating a development plan fortheir area.”

To comment on the proposed area designations, or to find out more aboutneighbourhood planning, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplans orcall Lichfield District Council on 01543 308193.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved in developing a neighbourhood planshould contact their parish council.

GazetteNews

fotofacade.com

Neighbourhood developmentplans offer a greater say


Though the office Christmas party may movevenue and bring new faces every year, thepersonalities of those invited never change,

according to new research.Experts claim exactly 10 party ‘characters’ are

present at every single staff party regardless of where itis, which industry or trade throws the bash or how manypeople attend.

The classic office party, will follow an almostformulaic pattern, according to the study by national barand brasserie chain,Browns.

If you’re attending anoffice bash, see if you canspot the following...

The Peak-too-soonerThis man or woman is the

office Christmas partyevangelist. They help roundup the troops in advance ofthe annual bash and makewild promises of incredibleparty feats and promises ofbeing the last-man or woman standing at the after-partyshindig. Unfortunately, they are then found just 90minutes into the festive bash, candle well and truly burntat both ends, snoozing quietly in the corner.

The FlirtYou’ve had your suspicions about this staff member

all year and, as the Christmas party celebrations start tounfold, they confirm your worst fears – they’ve made youthe target of their inappropriate advances for theduration of the evening. They start off the nightpleasantly enough – innocently offering to buy you adrink - but then suddenly turn, shunning every othermember of staff and focus their attention solely on you(or a particularly inappropriate part of your body). Theymake lewd suggestions almost as an after-thought, situncomfortably close to you and growl at other membersof their sex who have the misfortune of strayinginnocently into your vicinity throughout the evening.

The BlabbermouthThey’ve been the picture of discretion all year, hiding

their simmering discontent at not getting that pay-rise orfailing in that promotion behind a façade of normality. Butonce the festive spirit takes them, their lips becomeloose and they begin to announce, at an ill-consideredand raised volume, how rubbish it is working at theircompany. They also suddenly find it impossible tomaintain company secrets or private disclosures.Nothing is out of bounds and, before the end of theevening, any confidential company business is suddenlycommon knowledge among the entire workforce. Oftenfound at the root of any Christmas party squabbles.

The Houdini

Often best-friends with the Peak-too-sooner and theOrganiser, the Houdini seems well up for plenty offestive frolics in the lead-up to the staff Christmas do.They often go as far as helping organise venues for thehardy party animals to go to after the main event hassubsided. Unfortunately, this party ‘type’ is usually neveraround when the après-party begins, having sloped offhome for an early-night and a mug of Horlicks discreetlywhile the rest of the workforce is still in full-party mode.Usually in their early 30s and often a new parent,

The Dark HorseQuiet as a mouse all year round this pinstriped staff

member suddenly, frighteningly finds their outrageousinner self at the Christmas party. While they wouldn’t sayboo to a goose in normal office hours they suddenlythink it is perfectly acceptable to go round helpingthemselves to colleague’s drinks and dancinginappropriately close to members of the opposite sex.They’re also likely to announce that they used to be leadsinger in a death metal band!

The LimpetYou can easily spot this s(h)elfish staff member at the

Christmas party because they are irremovably welded tothe side of their departmental boss. They’ll be the oneheartily laughing at their boss’s awful jokes, cooing attheir boss’s development plan and happily skipping off tothe bar and buying their boss drinks all night out of theirown pocket. They’ll also be the one left lookingheartbroken as their boss exits the party early withouthearing their full 14-part eulogy to their boss’sgreatness, written in staggering techni-coloured fawningdetail (in their own blood). Often to be found, at the endof the night, in the toilets, attempting to outcry TheWeeper.

The WeeperThe staff member who steadfastly, resolutely refuses

to leave their personal problems at the door to theChristmas party venue. They wear their heart on theirsleeve and spread their misty-eyed romantic delusionsof love through tear-stained tissues thrust into theclammy hands of colleagues unfortunate enough toaimlessly wander into the toilets while The Weeper is

mid-shriek over the untimely ending of their latest loveaffair.

The DancerAlways a decade beyond their prime, The dancer will

bust all manner of old-skool moves at the office partyfollowing years of secret attendance at their localcommunity centre’s disco-dancing classes. Thoughtyou’d seen the last of the hand-jive? Oh no you haven’t.And you’ve never ever seen anyone under the age of 25attempt that backflip into a John Travolta strut before.

This staff memberwill not vacate thedance floor –tonight it is theirpersonal stage andthe masses ofo p e n - m o u t h e dcolleagues sittingaround the vicinityof the dance floorare their greatestaudience.

The OrganiserWoe betide anyone who decides to change their

Christmas dinner choice at the staff party or bemoansthe quality of the venue, The Organiser will be firmly,angrily on your case. This diminutive staff member hasspent years scaring the pants off the biggest charactersin the staff canteen, honing their withering Paddingtonstare to perfection. They have a list of everything(including other lists) and have arranged the staff partywith military precision. No matter you have just ordereda full round of drinks for you and your colleagues, if TheOrganiser says it is time to move on, you move on. Noargument, you shuffle into the dining room and leaveyour drinks behind (they’re banned from this roombecause The Organiser has arranged special Christmascocktails to be served).

The GatecrasherUsually a friend (or lover) of a staff member, The

Gatecrasher has already been out on their own staffparty at a venue across town earlier in the evening. Theyturn up at yours, risking the wrath of The Organiser andinvite themselves to share the paid-for after-dinneractivities. Convinced that they have injected new lifeinto your do, they’ll be so sure of their ‘legend’ statusthey’ll even try and cheer up The Weeper beforeattempting to solve world famine, challenge The Dancerto a Step Up-style dance-off and demand that your bosstell them exactly what it is like being a PA.

Recognise anyone? Wherever you go, and whateveryou do, The Gazette hopes that your Christmas Bash isa complete success!

So, do you recognise these Christmas Party‘Characters’?

GazetteFeature

Page 47

GazetteTudor Row Feature

The walkway that runs through Tudor Row was designed to be a little narrow which trulyencourages an air of informality and gives Lichfield its own 20th-Century equivalent of TheLanes of Brighton or The Shambles of York.

This exclusive shopping arcade is situatedbehind theTudor of Lichfield — a well-established, family owned restaurant businesshoused in one of the city's oldest and mosticonic buildings.

The Row provides locals and visitors alikewith an alternative gateway to the city, creatingan interesting link between the old city and thenew — with the chance to visit and enjoy aseries of exclusive shops.

Running parallel to the Three Spiresshopping centre Tudor Row connects BoreStreet to Wade Street and provides a charmingaccess point to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre,multi-storey car park, bus station and railwaystation, as well as to Market Street and theMarket Square. Designed by Armstrong FalgateCook of Burton upon Trent, Tudor Row was firstopened in October 1980, winning a Europeanarchitectural award.

Unparalleled inKind or Quality

The Tudor of Lichfieldis ‘The Tea House with a

history’ and continues to be avery successful restaurant. TheTudor has been run by thesame family for many yearsalongside a team of friendlywelcoming staff, servingdelicious breakfasts, lunchesand afternoon teas – in additionto a selection of homemadecakes that are irresistiblymouth watering. The Tudor isperennially popular with localsand also provides a fascinatingdraw for visitors to Lichfield,who fall in love with its settingand history, enjoying itsambience and old traditionalvalues and quality of service.

The Tudor of Lichfield Tea House, with its remarkable half timberedperiod architecture is just a foretaste of this delightful area and holdsthe promise that all those who venture into Tudor Row will take pleasurein almost everything they find there.

Simply theSalon

Simply THE Salon offersyou a city haven retreat,away from the hustle andbustle of

everyday life. Step intothis little oasis in themiddle of Lichfield and letthem pamper you with aClarins facial, an Elemismassage, or an Orlymanicure. With over 100treatments to choose from,and full retail ranges,Simply THE Salon is thetreat you are waiting for.

Tudor Row

Bene UmbraAt Bene Umbra they are leading the way in

‘affordable hairdressing’, using the concept of a highclass salon but at realistic prices. More and morepeople are discovering them and liking the greatvalue for money on offer, as shown in theiradvertisement within this feature. With no nonsense,quality hairdressing, Bene Umbra provides "big bill"salon treatments at an excellent price so you cantreat yourself more often! So why

not telephone 01543 250676 now, and go alongto 9,Tudor Row to be pampered by friendly,experienced stylists.

Tudor Row Barbersis the place to go if you want a traditional

barber providing great haircuts for men andboys. Tudor Row Barbers was established

over 13 years ago and Paul and his team areopen 6 days a week, offering an excellentmens grooming service where an appointmentis not always necessary. The cost is veryreasonable at £11.50 for men, £10.50 for boysand only £8.50 for OAPs. Tudor Row can beaccessed from Wade Street at one end andfrom Bore Street at the other.

No+VelloGet a brighter, whiter smile in minutes. Yoursmile is important! It’s one of the thingspeople notice when they meet you, and abrighter, whiter smile can help you feel

better about yourself and leave a lastingimpression. Beaming White Advanced TeethWhitening, the fastest and most effective teethwhitening system, is now available in a relaxedenvironment at select locations at the mostaffordable price. Whether it’s coffee, tobacco,red wine, or just the effects of time that havestained your teeth, our professional teethwhitening system guarantees you a beamingwhite smile in minutes.


Tudor Row BarbersEstablished 13 years

Traditional & Modern Hairdressing for men & boys

• Mens - £11.50• Boys - £10.50• O.A.P’s - £8.50

Open 6 days a weekNo appointment needed

Tudor Row, Off Wade Street, Lichfield.

Tel: 01543 263351

Page 49

GazetteTudor Row Feature

Secret GardenThe Secret Garden is a delightful florist providing a personal and

professional service that is second to none. It’s lovely to be able tochoose your individual blooms and colours in the shop and thenwatch them being transformed into a stunning floral gift. But this isso much more than a little corner flower shop – they are the in-house florist to Swinfen Hall Hotel and they also provide a weddingand funeral service. You can make an appointment for aconsultation to discuss your individual needs and you’ll be given aprofessional and considerate design service. Their corporate clientsinclude other local businesses, retail outlets, leisure facilities andprestigious hotels.

Gallery 14• Established in Sutton Coldfield in 2002• Ever-changing selection of artwork including open and limitededition prints, original artwork by local artists• Selection of handmade studioglass, including English, Greek,Polish as well as the permanentlycollectable Isle of Wight glass. Widerange of gifts for each other as wellas the home, including a fabulousrange of summer bags, scarves andan exquisite range of sterling silverand precious stone jewellery• Complementary giftwrap service •Normally open 7 days a week• Also online at websitewww.gallery14.co.uk

Page 51


There’s something about the approach of Christmasand all those lovely festive parties and events that

always makes me want to update my perfume. Summerfragrances are great, for instance I wear Paul Smith –Rose when the days are sunny and the evenings long,but come autumn plain florals seem just too ephemeraland I’m looking for something multi layered andluscious.

With this in mind I spent an afternoon sampling theselection on offer in Lichfield and discovered some trulysublime and seductive scents.

Bodyshop stocks a range that covers everything frommakeup to body butters, hand creams and haircare, manyin the same fragrance so that you can layer products,creating a longer lasting effect. In addition they stock alarge range (at least 25) perfume oils, eau de parfum, eaude toilette, body mists, solid perfumes and mini handbagscents, so there’s something for everyone.

I have long been a fan of Bodyshop perfumes, theircommitment to Fair Trade essential oils and ingredientsgive their fragrances a very ‘high end’ result. Many peoplewill remember their best seller ‘White Musk’ - it has nowbeen updated so that it has an added grown up, cleanedged finish that is truly lovely. In addition Amazonian WildLilly, Moroccan Rose and Japanese Cherry Blossom plusmany more are well blended and different enough fromeach other to please any taste, be you a fresh and citrusy,dark and spicy or fine and florally type of girl. Prices startat just £5 for a solid perfume and go up to £18 (LoveActually eau de parfum). It’s a gem of a shop and wellworth a browse, you may find, as I did, a brand newfavourite.

Boots has also long been a purveyor of fine fragrancesand their Lichfield branch stocks a pretty comprehensiveselection of all of our favourites, plus many more unusualand surprising varieties. The perfume counter assistantsare always very knowledgeable and know when to just letyou wander among the testers before appearing magicallyas soon as you need some help. They’re smiley, friendlyand seem able to read your mind, suggesting scent afterscent that I loved.

They have in pre Christmas a great selection of GiftSets (including mini perfume selections and body creamsplus eau de parfum), allowing the lucky recipient to layertheir perfume and leave a subtle trace of lovelinesswherever they go (not a choking bow wave, we’re far tooupmarket for that!) Each week Boots also run a star offeron a different perfume, providing a substantial saving onsome of their most loved ranges. A great place to visit torestock on your favourite, or discover something new. Plus,running until Christmas Boots are offering many belovedfragrances including Lou Lou, AnaisAnais, Eden, Burberry and some Versacescents at half price.

House of Minster is deceptive; theshop front is a pretty little Georgianfacade that gives no hint as to the tardislike interior of an absolute shoppingheaven. House of Minster goes back andback covering beautiful interiors, jewelleryand gifts and on to Estee Lauderskincare, Dior makeup and Clarinsdisplayed in all their glittering beautyalong a counter that reminded me of aclassy department store.

The perfume counter also came as arevelation. Not only do they stock JimmyChoo, Bulgari, Ellie Saab, Hermes,Lalique, Dior and Chanel plus manyothers, they also cover atelier

perfumeries such as Creed (a French perfumier that hasbeen creating beautiful fragrances since 1760) and theItalian maker L T Piver.

I have to admit, I had never heard of this brand butwithin each simple glass bottle (no gimmicks needed here)is the most sublime fragrance. Each is created to evoke acertain time, day and place – for instance ‘Sardinia at10am’. When applied to the skin, it instantly evokes warmpine trees, spicy sap and earth, cinnamon, sunshine,maybe a touch of orange grove and sun-kissed skin, it’stotally remarkable as it does that strange olfactory trick ofplacing you, bodily, in Sardinia on a warm spring morning –magical.

One great idea from House of Minster is the Wish Listcard. This little card can be used to record the perfumesthat you love and then handed to your partner (Mum, boss,best friend, whoever might be lovely enough to buy themfor you) so that you never again receive a bottle that youdon’t like and can’t use. The ladies in house of Minster areknowledgeable, approachable and not at all scary - ifyou’ve never been in, you’re missing a treat.

The staff know all of their extensive stock, and cansuggest a selection of fragrances should you be on thehunt for something new, or buying as a gift for Christmas.In fact they regularly serve customers who have drivenfrom as far afield as Cheshire to shop in this beautifulboutique.

We have a 30ml bottle of Bodyshop Indian NightJasmine Fragrance Mist, a Hugo Boss Nuit Pour Femmegift set containing eau de parfum and body lotion(courtesy of Boots) and a La Perla In Rosa gift setcontaining eau de toilette, shower gel and body lotion(courtesy of House of Minster) for our lovely readers towin this Christmas.

To be in with a chance of winning one of these threeprizes, just let us know the answer to the followingquestion.

Chanel is well known for the creation of coutureperfumes, skincare and makeup, but where was CocoChanel born?

1. Switzerland2. France3. ItalyJust send your answer in to either

[email protected] or on a postcard to GazettePerfume Competition, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ

(to be inserted) by the competition closing date ofWednesday 19th December. Please state your fragrancepreference if any. Winners will receive their prize beforeChristmas. One entry only per household, duplicates willbe disqualified.

Scents and Sensibility GazetteWoman

By Joss Musgrove Knibb

Our Prizes

Just some of the great range at Boots.

Lovely stuff galore of the Bodyshop rangeBeautiful things at House of Minster

Page 53


GazetteFeature

What isJewellers Ark?

With the prospect of customers preferringto shop online and via their smart phones, agroup of independent jewellers are the first inthe UK to take the forward step of setting upan online collaboration, that will offercustomers the choice of shopping online oroffline at highly competitive prices, but withthe same excellent levels of customer servicethat you expect from your independent highstreet jeweller, plus even more benefits thanyou would expect from a national chain.

City Jewellers are one of the foundingpartners of Jewellers Ark. Owner PaulShepherd tells us of the many changes theyhave made to their MarketStreet store: “Over the past fewmonths we have transformedour First Floor Showroom into abeautiful Designer JewelleryBoutique, where we are able tooffer an array of wonderful newdesigner jewellery brands, toinclude Trollbeads, theORIGINAL BEAD COMPANY,Shaun Leane (who wasawarded UK Jeweller designerof the year), BabetteWasserman (who has beenrunner up in this category fortwo years running), SHOJewellery - a beautifulcollection worn by the stars and

SEVEN London - a collection designed forthe fashion conscious male. We also carrycollections by Missoma, The Real Effect andour latest collection London Road.”

The move has partially been prompted bythe big jewellery manufacturing brands whoworry about customers being sold counterfeitor unauthorised products from bedrooms orbackstreet operations. Rotary watches said:“We are able to work in partnership on thisunique Jewellers Ark project to offercustomers lower prices on genuine goodswith authentic guarantees. Customers oftendon’t realise that if a price looks too good tobe true then it often is, unless the product isdistributed from an authorised dealer, then itwont be covered by our manufacturerswarranty. Suddenly a watch for £150 insteadof £250 isn’t so cheap when it turns out to bea fake or not to be covered under anywarranty. Customers can be assured that

when they’re buying from Jewellersark.co.ukthat they are getting the genuine article forthe best possible price.”

This co-operative of jewellers is uniqueon the high street, being able to offer a muchlarger range of products than could be kept instore. However customers can still benefitfrom a personal service for items such asadjustment of watches, ring sizing, etc. PaulShepherd added: “We’ve chosen atechnology which will placeJewellersark.co.uk at the mosttechnologically advanced in the market placetoday, giving our customers the best online

and mobile buying experiencepossible. We’re even buildingour own ‘API’ that will enableindependent and smallerjewellery manufacturers towork with us to sell theirproducts online and extendtheir reach nationally to amuch wider audience.”

Jewellersark.co.uk foundershave several hundred yearscombined jewellery retailingbetween them and lookforward to welcoming theirexisting and new customersalike to www.jewellersark.co.uk

City Jewellers

Page 55

GazetteDining Out

The newestsensation in town

Lichfield is rapidly becoming a cosmopolitan centre for the epicurean – especiallyso, now that BA ZAA at 26 Bird Street, Lichfield, is fully up and running.

BA ZAA is the first Moroccan restaurant in Lichfield to open its doors, offering a plethoraof tempting dishes – never seen and probably never heard of before.

Owners of this new exciting venture are Antonio and daughter Jenny. They are bothenthusiastic and ebullient owners who will provide the warmest of welcome at their newrestaurant.

“Discerning city diners will really appreciate what is on offer here at BA ZAA . We offersuch a wide choice of Moroccan specialities. From stuffed mushrooms to lamb tajine, fromLebanese kebabs to chicken and pomegranate, lamb shanks are also on offer! There’s alsoan excellent choice of vegetarian options;” said Jenny.

Whilst the quality of food is the main priority, the décor and ambience is also veryimportant from the bar right through the eating area.

Antonio and Jenny have bought a stunning new image to their restaurant and it iscertainly a break with tradition. Their use of mirrors, bold colours and embossed wall tileswill make you feel that you are in some far distant romantic location.

There is also an excellent choice of wines from across Europe – from Spain, Morocco,Italy, Greece and Cyprus for you to enjoy with your meal.

If live music appeals, BA ZAA will have just that on the late license nights – Thursday,Friday and Saturday.

For a sumptuous Christmas treat try the BA ZAA seven course banquet, available nowuntil Christmas Eve. The lunch time price is £17.95 and the evening service is £23.95.There is a complementary glass of champagne as diners arrive.

26 Bird Street, Lichfield WS13 6PR

01543 256667Please call for reservations

R RR R

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GazetteDining Out

Ma Ma Thai – for“exquisite atmosphere!”

Ma Ma Thai on Bird Street has been open for severalyears now and continues to provide customers withexcellent food in an exquisite atmosphere. As you enterthe brightly decorated restaurant you can’t help but beimpressed with the fabulous chandeliers and the stunningwallpaper. But look again. It’s not wallpaper, the wallsand door panels have been hand painted by an artist fromThailand who was flown in especially to share his art withus.

Ma Ma Thai though is a restaurant of two halves –towards the back of the initial restaurant is another roomwhich is equally sumptuous but with an altogetherdifferent atmosphere. Here the effect is a more softly lit,cosy intimate space with darker furniture and large plants;this is an ideal room for larger family gatherings or workoutings.

The staff, beautifully dressed in Thai costumes and aselegant as their surroundings, are discreet, polite andefficient, who were there when we needed them but didn’tintrude on our evening.

There is a comprehensive menu with reasonably priceddishes to suit any taste and there are also set menus -sometimes the best option when you just can’t decidewhat to eat.

We were greeted by Surachai, the enthusiastic andcheerful manager/maitre’d who helped us with our menuchoices and rather than laughing as we tried topronounce some of the dishes, he politely corrected thewords we’d got wrong.

Page 57

GazetteDining Out

RUBYChristmas parties! The Ruby Cantonese and Chinese Restaurant is a fantastic place to

host your Christmas parties and meals. With 3 generations of experience making sure thatyou are happy and well fed, there is no other logical choice! The restaurant is set up withlarge round tables for a more sociable atmosphere, a private function room with screen andprojector for added festivities. The Ruby is somewhat of a landmark in Lichfield. So: “don’tjust have a Chinese… have a Ruby”

Chinese New Year! An unforgettable evening at the Ruby Cantonese and ChineseRestaurant. Some have even said that: “Chinese New Year at the Ruby is better thanthe English New Year…period!”

The night consists of a DJ entertaining customers all night with oldies and newbies, anenergetic live demonstration of the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, for good luck! Find outwhat animal you are in the Chinese zodiac and howthat affects your life. All night there is a constantstream of food and drink coming to your table. Thereare also Karaoke and Fancy Dress competitions withprizes! The night ends with an amazing transformationinto a late night exclusive disco. A night not to bemissed! The next Chinese New Year at the Ruby willtake place between Sunday 10th February 2013 untilFriday 15th February 2013. Please ring 01543 251144for booking and information. Limited spaces so booknow to avoid disappointment!

For Bookings or to discuss yourrequirements, please telephone

01543 251144.If you are holding a party or special event,the Ruby has a large first floor room for

your function.

Qmin promise you a feast for

your sensesThe Christmas Party season is now well underway here at Qmin -

Lichfield’s leading Indian Restaurant. Menu options for this season are wide and varied. Choose from a

three course set menu, alternatively, Qmin’s extensive a la cartemenu is also available. Should you have a special preference, Qmin’schefs will tailor make a dish to suit your party.

If a vegetarian option is preferred, you can rely on Qmin to providethis option - please see our vegetarian choices on the menu. Pleasetelephone for full details of Qmin’s Christmas party season.

Qmin captures India’s diversity, with more than 120 authenticrecipes across the country. Sample their fusion cooking in modernand relaxed surroundings, served by very attentive staff. So, bookearly and get Christmas started in the best possible way with amemorable festive party at Qmin. Remember, Qmin is rated veryhighly indeed by trip advisor.

Small or large parties are verywelcome.

We invite you to experiencethe Qmin brand of Indiancuisine and promise you a feastfor your senses.

Remember, bookings are nowbeing taken for the FestiveSeason, so contact Qmin soon.

Call Qmin on 01543 255000www.qmin.co.uk


GazetteDining Out

Enjoy high classcuisine in a greatatmosphere andluxurioussurroundings

• Christmas Party Bookings are now being taken.• Superb menu with a vast choice selection.• Experienced chefs from Hong Kong & Malaysia.• Open lunchtimes and till late• Superb function room, seats upto 65

Visit our website: www.leegardenrestaurants.co.uk50 Tamworth Street, Lichfield WS13 6JJ

Tel: 01543 418515/01543 254388

Surrounded by 3 car parks. All free after 6.30pm

Established over 20 years

Come and visit the AWARD WINNING

• Special Christmas Lunch Menu £12 for 3 courses • Christmas Evening Banquet £19 for 4 courses • Come And Celebrate the Year 2013 • Chinese New Year! Year of the Snake!

Feb 10th to 13th 2013There’s nothing quite like the smell of homebaked biscuits. This Christmas, why not try

these festive Orange Liqueur Biscuits? They’reeasy to make and taste great. The liqueur adds aChristmassy twist and they’re bound to win youcompliments if served with drinks or after lunchwith coffee.

They take 45 minutes to make, but you can preparethe dough beforehand, cut out the biscuits and freezethem raw. Simply put a few in the oven whenever youneed them.

Ingredients – To make 36 biscuits.2 hard boiled egg yolks - This may sound strange butegg yolks add a golden colour and richness 225g (8 oz) plain flour125g (4 oz) caster sugarSalt to tasteGround cinnamon125g (4 oz) butter2 x 15ml (2 tbsps) orange liqueur

Push the egg yolks through a sieve and into amixing bowl. Sift in the flour and mix well. Make a wellin the centre of the mixture and add the sugar plus apinch of salt and cinnamon (to taste).

Cut the butter into small pieces and, a little at atime, work into the mixture. Add the liqueur and forminto a firm paste. Leave this for one hour in a coolplace to rest (not the fridge).

Preheat the oven to 375 F or 190 C (Gas mark 5).Roll out the paste on a lightly floured surface and cutout whatever shapes you wish. Place biscuits on alined baking tray and bake for 10 – 15 minutes untillightly golden.

Orange LiqueurBiscuits -

A festive treat

Page 59

If you have a community or fund raisingevent that you’d like to have included inthe monthly What’s On pages, pleasesend an email [email protected] quoting thedate, event title, times, venue and briefdescription.

Sun 2 – Tue 4 DecChristmas Voices 10.30am at The George Hotel. IntimateTheatre presents an entertainingcompilation of festive poetry, music anddrama. Tickets £9.75

Christmas Afternoon Teaat The George Hotel, Bird Street, LichfieldT: 01543 414822£10 per person, served from December3rd

Tue 4 DecSongs for a City

5.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. Acelebration of Christmas for commerce,business, industry and the voluntarysector. All welcome. Refreshments kindlysponsored by Keelys Solicitors. FREEentry (donations encouraged).

Wed 5 & Thu 6 DecChristmas Flower Arranging 10.30am at The George Hotel. Includescoffee on arrival, a flower arrangingdemonstration and three-course carverylunch. £22.

Wed 5 DecTots at Erasmus Darwin House 10.00am to 11.00am at Erasmus DarwinHouse. Every fortnight children aged 2-4years, accompanied by an adult, can enjoystories, songs and simple craft activities inthe beautiful museum setting of ErasmusDarwin House. This week's session iscalled: A 'Crafty' Christmas. All materials

used and refreshments are included in thecost. £2.

Storytelling at the Crib

10.30am or 11.00 or 3.30pm at LichfieldCathedral. A free story-telling activity idealfor pre-schools, nurseries and primaryschools. Booking essential - Tel: 01543306100 FREE entry (donationsencouraged)

Thu 6 Dec – Sun 6 JanAlice in Wonderland At Lichfield Garrick. From the creativeteam of the record breaking 2011production of A Christmas Carol comesanother glittering adaptation of a classictale. Set in a Christmas circus, LewisCarroll's timeless story will enthrall thewhole family.

Thu 6 DecLichfield Farmers' Market

9.00am to 3.00pm at Lichfield MarketSquare. And on the first Thursday of everymonth (except January). A fantastic rangeof beautiful stalls, selling wholesomelocally-produced food and other goods,including an excellent choice of hand-made arts and crafts.

Christmas Lunch with 1940sEntertainment 11.45 am at National Memorial Arboretum.A fabulous festive afternoon, with nostalgicentertainment and scrumptious food. £20,payment required in advance, earlybooking recommended. Tel: 01283 792333

Fri 7 DecStaffordshire Cakes and Ale Trail8pm at the St Mary's Centre, MarketSquare, Lichfield. Meeting of theStaffordshire Archaeological and HistoricalSociety. Visitors welcome, £3.Refreshments available from 7 30pm. Formore info call 01543 416144.

Free beginner running course 9.30am to 10.30am at Beacon Park. Freesix week course open to all and led byfriendly qualified leaders with links toLichfield Running Club. Join in and giverunning a go! Meet at Lakeside Bistro inBeacon Park.

Storytelling at the Crib 10.30am or 11.00am at LichfieldCathedral. See Wed 5 Dec for details.

Songbird: A tribute to Eva Cassidy

7.30pm (doors open at 6.45pm) at TheGuildhall. An intimate evening of live musicand narration, paying tribute to the lifestory of the late Eva Cassidy.Performances by singer and violinistRebecca Kelly and her accompanyingmusicians.

The Lunar Men 7.30pm at Lichfield Library. An evening ofstorytelling, song and improvised music.A brilliant full moon shines down acrossthe Midlands. Tonight an extraordinarymeeting will take place. The men of theLunar Society are gathering and thepainter Joseph Wright, a patient of thebrilliant Dr Erasmus Darwin, will capturethe event in his lucid imagination. Amomentous decision will be reached. Thisis the story of the Midlands' magnificentpast in an exciting collaboration betweenStoryteller Maria Whatton and MusicianSarah Matthews. Exquisite and comicfolktales blend with sophisticateddiscourse. The world of the EnglishEnlightenment is conjured by music andword. This is a meeting of celebration: anight that will change the world.

Sat 8 DecCarols Old and New7.30pm at the Lichfield Heritage Centre.Popular carols for everyone to join in withand seasonal choral pieces from theLichfield Singers. £8, £6 concessions.S&J Music 01543 268909.www.lichfieldsingers.org

Christmas Fair 10.30am - 12.00 noon at Martin HeathHall. Tombola, Posh Junk, Jewellery,

DECEMBER 2012

IN LICHFIELD

Lichfield ChristmasFestival Weekend

Sat 15 & Sun 16 DecLichfield Christmas FestivalWeekend 10.00am to 4.00pm at LichfieldMarket Square & surroundingstreets, Erasmus DarwinHouse, Samuel JohnsonBirthplace. On SaturdayCelebrate the festive season with a weekend of festive events andactivities throughout Lichfield city. Come along to Lichfield Market Squareto shop at the popular Lichfield market and relax with a mulled winewhilst listening to music from Cannock Salvation Army Band. Keep thechildren entertained with free face painting, a visit from Father Christmasand a festive market trail and the whole family can join in with WalsallOperatic Society singing carols at 2pm. Erasmus Darwin House openswith free entry at 10am - 4pm, with Georgian festivities including stalls, atea room, cakes and gifts. At 2pm join in a festive tour through the cityof 'Christmas through the ages' with one of Lichfield's Green BadgeGuides ending with refreshments at The George Hotel. Book in advancecall 01543 412112 tickets £4.50 per person. At 4pm and 6pm theSamuel Johnson Birthplace opens for 'A Georgian Family Christmas' withfestive music, storytelling and activities for all the family. On Sunday Pick up your festive gifts and delicious local produce at LichfieldChamber of Trade and Commerce Christmas Fayre and LichfieldChristmas Farmers' Market on Sunday. Enjoy live music and dancing,free face painting and a festive market trail on Lichfield Market Squarefrom 10am. Don't miss Lichfield Mysteries performing 'The Nativity' at2pm, followed by a 'King and Angels' fancy dress competition at 2.45pmfor children who would like to come to the event in costume.


GazetteWhat’s on

Toiletries, Gifts, Toys, Books, Dvd's, Cakes& Cards. Refreshments & Raffle

Carols in the Park Free entry all day at Museum Gardens,Beacon Park. Feeling festive? Come to thepark and sing some favourite Christmascarols and songs.

Christmas Fayre 10.00am to 2.30pm at The Guildhall.Different stalls with Christmas gifts atreasonable prices. Refreshments area withhomemade cakes. Free entry.

Carols in the Trenches 7.00pm at Staffordshire RegimentMuseum. A re-enactment of the 1914Christmas Truce in the museum’strenches, including readings and carolsfrom soldiers at the time. This event mayinclude gunfire and loud explosions.£3adult, £2 child, £6 family (2 adults and upto 3 children)

Carols old and new from The LichfieldSingers 7.30pm at Lichfield Heritage Centre.Popular carols for everyone to join in withand seasonal choral pieces from the choir.£8, £6 concessions.

Lichfield Cathedral Chorus - AChristmas Fantasy 7.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. A delightfulselection of music on a Christmas themeto get you into the festive spirit. Conductedby Ben Lamb with the strings of theDarwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra.Ralph Vaughan Williams - Fantasia onChristmas Carols, Gerald Finzi - In TerraPax, Ben Lamb - This is the Truth sentfrom above, Ben Lamb - Maria durch ein'Dornwald ging, Ralph Vaughan Williams -Tallis Fantasia

Climax Blues Band8.00pm at the Guildhall. We are delightedto welcome back the wonderful ClimaxBlues Band to the Guildhall for the firsttime since the tragic death of their singerand founder-member Colin Cooper.

Sun 9 DecAll that glitters – making festivedecorations 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Chasewater Country

Park Innovation Centre. Join in with somefestive fun - come along and make thatoriginal Christmas decoration for your tree.

Lighting of Christmas tree & StNicholas Service (with the Cathedral ToyAppeal) 3.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. Pleasebring a new toy (suitable for ages 0-16years) to support and give hope to localchildren who are victims of domesticabuse. All toys received for the appeal willbe donated to The Pathways Project andused to help children who are resettled inLichfield, Burntwood and Tamworth. Formore information visit www.pathway-project.co.ukIf you are not able to attend the service,toys will gladly be received in advance(between the hours of 9am to 5pmMonday to Friday) at The Old Stables nextto Chapters Coffee Shop or the Verger'sDucket in the Cathedral.

Tue 11 DecThe Foden Story (From Steam toDiesel) 2.30pm at St. Michael’s Church Hall. DavidBradbury will give us a potted history ofthe Foden family of Engineers. Thisprogramme of events is part of thefellowship and outreach of St Michael-on-Greenhill Church providing additionalincome for the refurbishment of St.Michael’s Church Hall. £3 donation.

Candle-lit Christmas Carol Concert inaid of Acorns Children's Hospice 7.30pm at Swinfen Hall Hotel. Make awonderful start to the festive season andjoin the candle-lit Christmas carol concertas the fabulous Sutton ColdfieldCommunity Choir take to the stage.Set in the oak-paneled ballroom, where astunning 20-foot Christmas tree takespride of place, and complemented withcoffee and mince pies served during theinterval. Enjoy an uplifting and memorableevening with all proceeds going to theAcorns Children's Hospice Trust. Fordining before or after the concert Tel:01543 481494. Booking is essential.

Gruesome and Ghostly Tours 7.00pm at Lichfield Tourist InformationCentre. Enjoy a spooky Halloween timewith this evening tour set to make yourblood curdle and your spine tingle!Rounded of with a visit to a local pub forrefreshments. Booking essential. £6.25

Evening Organ Concert Series 7.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. Enjoy thisseasonal concert with Lichfield CathedralOrganist, Martyn Rawles. Martyn will betaking special requests! Tickets availablefrom Lichfield Cathedral Bookshop or Tel:01543 306150. £10

Wed 12 DecMayor's Carols for Christmas 7.00pm at The Guildhall. Traditional carolsand lessons round the crib, with localchoirs, mulled wine and mince pies. Freeentry (restricted seating)

Thu 13 & Fri 14 DecChristmas Lunch with 1940sEntertainment See Thu 6 Dec for details.

Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13thDecemberSenior Citizens’ Festive Lunches12.30pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street,Lichfield T: 01543 414822Enjoy a 3 course festive lunch with sherryon arrival and entertainment from ourpianist.£17 per person

Thu 13 DecLichfield Civic Society Meeting 7.45pm at St Mary's Centre. LichfieldConduit Lands Trust - A Talk by Bob Whiteof the Trust. Non-members welcome (£3 atthe door)

Fri 14 DecFree beginner running course See Fri 7 Dec for details.

Storytelling at the Crib 4.00pm at Lichfield Cathedral. See Wed 5Dec for details.

Historical Cookery and Mayhem - TheAnnual Christmas Special 7.00pm at Lichfield Garrick. Here we areagain; the season really sneaks up on us.Get ready for the festive table with UncleRoly and Simon ‘Santa's Little Elf' Smithas they show you some alternative recipesdating back from Tudor times to Victoria'scourt.We guarantee you will leave withsome tooth-some ideas for your Yuletidefeasts and some ideas for festive drinks aswell!

State of Undress Christmas Show8.30pm at the Guildhall. Music,Merriment, Mistletoe and Mayhem! Aftermemorable performances at last year’sRoots & Folk Festival and this year’s Fuseour favourite ‘fiddlesome’ five-piece fromDorset are back with their hugelyentertaining Christmas show. Expectplenty of festive favourites such as FairyTale of New York, and I Saw Three Shipsdelivered in Fab-Five’s own unique way.So put your Santa hat on, grab yourmistletoe (watch out if you’re in the frontrow!) - the party starts here!

Sat 15 – Mon 31 DecVic Bowcott's Painting for Pleasure 10.00am to 4.00pm at Lichfield Library.

City of Lichfield Concert BandChristmas Concert Sat 7.30pm (and Sun at 2.30pm) at TheGuildhall. Enjoy an evening of festivemusic from a popular local concert band.£8 adult, £7 concessions. Tickets availablefrom S&J Music, Bird Street.

Sun 16 DecCarols in the Chapel All day at National Memorial Arboretum.Enjoy carols in the beautiful MillenniumChapel with a cup of tea and a mince pie.£7.50, payment required in advance, earlybooking recommended.

Mon 17 DecStorytelling at the Crib6 performances (10.30am, 11.00am,2.00pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm and 4.00pm) atLichfield Cathedral. See Wed 5 Dec fordetails.

Tue 18 DecChristmas Carols 7.30pm at St John's Church, Wall.Communal carol singing, withrefreshments. Free entry

Christmas Party Nights7.30pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street,Lichfield T: 01543 414822Enjoy a 3 course meal and a disco in theGarrick SuiteFrom £21 to £33 per person, throughoutDecember and 5th January 2013

Wed 19 DecChoral Evensong live on BBC Radio 3 3.30pm (Please arrive no later than3.10pm) at Lichfield Cathedral. With theLichfield Cathedral Choir. FREE entry(donations encouraged)

Jazz: Fret & Fiddle8.30pm (Venue to be confirmed – call01543 262223). Following their fabulousperformance at this year’s RAJB we areproud to play host to the award-winningSwing Trio Fret and Fiddle at the inauguralLichfield Arts Presents Jazz.

Thu 20 & Fri 21 DecChristmas Lunch with 1940sEntertainment See Thu 6 Dec for details.

Thu 20 DecChristmas Farmers' Market 9.00am to 3.00pm at Market Square. Thelast chance to buy your fresh localproduce, arts and crafts before Christmas.

Lichfield Cathedral Chorus CarolConcert8.00pm at Lichfield Cathedral. WithSalvation Army Cannock Citadel BandArrive early to avoid disappointment.FREE entry (donations encouraged)

Fri 21 DecFree beginner running courseSee Fri 7 Dec for details.

Christmas by Candlelight

Page 61

GazetteWhat’s on7.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. Aprogramme of popular Christmas musicand readings at Lichfield Cathedral, insupport the Cathedral Choir Exchange withour link diocese of Matlosane, SouthAfrica. This concert is a Christmas must -and is guaranteed to get you into thefestive spirit!The evening will be hosted by popularcomedian Andy Hamilton. Buy your tickets(£10, £15) from Lichfield CathedralBookshop for this popular Christmas treat!Call 01543 306150 or [email protected] or visitthe bookshop in The Close, Lichfield,WS13 7LD.

The StumbleAt the Guildhall. A six piece band fromPreston - these guys are one of the verybest British blues bands around at themoment.

Sat 22 DecShoppers' Carol Services 12 noon (Young Voices) and 4.00pm(Cathedral Choristers) at LichfieldCathedral Take a break from theChristmas Shopping and join in someuplifting carol singing. Each service willlast approximately 30 minutes. Entrance isfree and spirits will be high!

Sun 23 DecCarol Service 4.00pm at Emmanuel Christian Centre,Netherstowe, Lichfield. Join in thetraditional Christmas carol service. FreeEntry.

Lichfield Cathedral Carol Service 6.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. FREE entry(donations encouraged)

Mon 24 DecT'was the Night Before Christmas 9.30am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to2.30pm at National Memorial Arboretum. Amorning and afternoon session ofchildren’s entertainment including songs,games, stories and refreshments. Children must be accompanied by aresponsible adult. £10, payment requiredin advance - early booking recommended

Family Crib Service 3.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. Acelebration of Christmas in drama andsong: by children, for children! Come andjoin in the fun and see the beautifulChristmas Crib. FREE entry (donationsencouraged)

Choral Evensong 5.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. FREE entry(donations encouraged)

Midnight Eucharist 11.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. ChamberChoir (with the use of incense). ChamberChoir will be singing carols from 11pm.FREE entry (donations encouraged)

Tue 25 DecChristmas Day Lunch Enjoy a fine dining at Netherstowe House

Christmas Day Eucharist8.00am at Lichfield Cathedral. SungEucharist for Christmas Day.

Christmas Day Evening Prayer 5.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Carolsat the crib.

Wed 26 DecSt Stephen's Day Morning Prayer 9.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral.

Darwin Walk Winter 10.00am at Bunkers Hill car park. TheBoxing Day Walk. Go towww.darwinwalk.org.uk for moreinformation or Tel: 01543 252246

St Stephen's Day Eucharist12.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral.

St Stephen's Day Lichfield CathedralCarol Service 3.30pm (Congregation should be seatedby 3.15pm) at Lichfield Cathedral. Sung byLichfield Cathedral Choir.

Tue 1 JanMince pie special 11.00am to 2.00pm at ChasewaterRailway. Relax on the heated steam trainwhilst enjoying the view from the windowand nibbling on a mince pie. Tea roomopen.

Sunday 6th January 2013The Snow Queen2.30pm at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, MoorHall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 3083751A magical and fun theatrical production ofThe Snow Queen adventure for all thefamily – come along and join in thefreezing fun!£8 per ticket, family tickets (2 adults & 2children): £28

Sat 12 JanScience on Saturday 10.00am to 12noon at Erasmus DarwinHouse. Science club for children aged 7-11. This month's meeting is Magnets andElectricity: Make a Motor. £4 per child.

Be a Chorister for a Day (Boys)11.30am to 6.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral.Do you enjoy singing? Want to sing inLichfield Cathedral? Come and learnabout life as a Chorister and sing with theLichfield Cathedral Choir during Evensong.

Sat 26 JanBe a Chorister for a Day (Girls)11.30am to 6.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral

Contact details for listedvenues:

Beacon Park – Lichfield WS13 6QZ. Tel:01543 308869Chasewater Country Park - Pool Rd,Brownhills WS8 7NL. Tel: 01543 370607Emmanuel Christian Centre -Netherstowe, Lichfield, WS13 6TS.Erasmus Darwin House - Beacon St,

Lichfield WS13 7AD. Tel: 01543 306260George Hotel - Bird St, Lichfield WS136PR. Tel: 01543 414822 Guildhall - Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6NELichfield Arts - Tel 01543 262223. [email protected] Cathedral - The Close, LichfieldWS13 7LD. Tel: 01543 306150Lichfield Garrick Theatre - Castle Dyke,Lichfield. Tel: 01543 412121Lichfield Heritage Centre - St Mary'sCentre, Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS136LG. Tel: 01543 256611Lichfield Library - The Friary, Lichfield,WS13 6QGLichfield Tourist Information Centre –See Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Tel:01543 412112Longdon Village Hall - Brook End,Longdon, Rugeley WS15 4PNMartin Heath Hall - Christ Church Lane

Christ Church LichfieldNational Memorial Arboretum - CroxallRd, Alrewas DE13 7AR. Tel: 01283792333Netherstowe House - NetherstoweLane, Lichfield WS13 6AY. Tel: 01543254270St John's Church - Wall, Lichfield WS140AS. Tel: 01543 411361St. Michael's Church Hall – St Michael’sRd, Lichfield WS13 6SN. Tel: 01543262211Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum -Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG.Tel: 01543 264972Staffordshire Regiment Museum -Defence Medical Services, LichfieldWS14 9PY. Tel: 01543 434395Swinfen Hall Hotel – Swinfen, LichfieldWS14 9RE Tel: 01543 481494

Sat 15 Dec Lichfield CathedralChamber ChoirConcertLichfield CathedralChamber Choir’sconcert on 15thDecember in theCathedral will be adouble first. Husbandand wife team Martyn Rawles, conductor and Cathedral Organist,and Harriet Hunter, soloist, will perform together with the Choir for thefirst time. In addition the Choir will be joined by the Corelli Orchestrafor their first concert together. Described recently by The Independentas 'top-notch' and as being a 'impeccable instrumental ensemble', theCorelli Orchestra is one of the country's few regionally-based period-instrument orchestras. Resident at the Pittville Pump RoomCheltenham since 2003, and directed from the harpsichord by itsfounder Warwick Cole, it is modelled in its style and composition oneighteenth-century court orchestras.The concert will comprise seasonal Bach Cantatas 36, 61 and 147written for Advent and includes one of Bach’s most popularcompositions: Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. Joining Harriet Hunter willbe Simon Ponsford (alto), Oliver Johnstone (tenor) and PhilipLancaster (bass). The Chamber Choir is encouraging children andstudents to attend with specially reduced tickets available from theLichfield Garrick.The Concert marks the start of a busy season for the Choir which willalso sing for the Fire Service Carol Service on December 9th,Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and will culminate with its secondBBC Radio 2 broadcast in the Spring.Tickets: £12.50 (£5 children and students) from Lichfield Garrick BoxOffice.

Lichfield CathedralChamber Choir

Concert


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Lichfield Gazette December 2012